Saints.

This word accepts of several interpretations, or rather they are injuriously obtruded upon it.

• 1. Saints of Fiction, who never were in rerum natura, as St. Christopher &c.
• 2. Saints of Faction, wherewith our age doth fwarme, alledging two ar­guments for their Saintship. First, that they so call themselves; Se­c [...]ndly, that those of their own party call them so. Neither of these belong to our cognizance.
• 3. Saints of Superstition, reputed so by the Court of Rome.
• 4. Saints indeed, parrallel to St. Pauls
  1 Tim. 5. 3.
  Widows indeed, and both deserve to be honoured.

It is confessed, in this our Book we drive a great trade in the third Sort, and I cannot therefore but sadly bemoan that the Lives of these Saints are so darkned with popish Illustrations, and farced with Fauxeties to their Dishonour, and the Detri­ment of Church History. For as honest men, casually cast into the Company of Co­zeners, are themselves suspected to be Cheats, by those who are Strangers unto them, So the very true Actions of these Saints found in mixture with so many Forgeries, have a suspicion of falshood cast upon them.

Inquiring into the causes of this grand abuse, I find them reducible to five heads.

• 1. First, Want of honest hearts, in the Biographists of these Saints, which betrayed their Pens to such abominable untruths.
• 2. Secondly, VVant of able heads, to distinguish Rumours from Reports, Reports from Records, not choosing but gathering, or rather not gathering, but scraping what could come to their hands.
• 3. Thirdly, Want of true matter, to furnish out those lives in any proportion. As Cooks are sometimes fain to lard lean meat, not for fashion but necessity, as which otherwise would hardly be eatable for the drynesse thereof; So these having little of these Saints more then their names, and dates of their Deaths (and though some­times not certain) do plump up their emptinesse with such fictious additions.
• 4. Fourthly, hope of gain, so bringing in more Custome of Pilgrims to the shrines of their Saints.
• 5. Lastly, for the same reason for which Herod persecuted
  Acts 12. 3.
  St. Peter, (for I count such Lyes a persecuting of the Saints memories) merely because they saw it pleased the people.

By these and other causes it is come to pass, that the Observation ofDe Trad. Dis­crip. l. 5. Vives is most true, Quae de Sanctis Scripta sunt, praeter pauca quaedam, multis foedata sunt Commentis, dum qui scribit affectui suo indulget: & non quae egit Divus, sed quae illum egisse vellet, exponit; What are written of the Saints, some few things excepted, are defiled with many fictions, whilst the Writer indulgeth his own affection, and declareth not what the Saint did do, but what he desired that he should have done. To this let me couple the just complaint of that honest Dominican Melchior Lib. 11. c. 6. Canus. Dolenter hoc dico, multò severius a Laertio vitas Philosophorum scriptas, quam à Chri­stianis vitas Sanctorum, longèque incorruptius & integrius Suetonium res Caesarum expo­suisse, quam exposuerint Catholici, non res dico Imperatorum, sed Martyrum, Virginum & Confessorum; I speak it to my grief (saith he) that the Lives of the Philosophers are more gravely written by Laertius, than Saints are by Christians, and that Sueto­nius hath recorded the Actions of the Caesars with more Truth and Integrity, than Catholick [...] have the Lives, I say not of Princes, but even of Martyrs, Virgins, and Confessours.

To return to our English Saints. As our Catalogue beginneth with Alban, it en­deth with Thomas Bishop of Hereford, who dyed Anno Domini 1282. the last English­man canonized by the Pope. For, though Anselme was canonized after him (in the Reign of King Henry the Seventh) he was no English, but a Frenchman, who dyed more then an hundred years before him. Since which time, no English, and few Foreigners have attained that honour, which the Pope is very sparing to confer. First because sensible, that multitude of Saints abateth veneration. Secondly, the Kalen­der, is filled (not to say pestered) with them, justling one another for Room, many holding the same day in copartnership of Festivity. Thirdly, the charge of Canonization is great, few so charitable as to buy it, the Pope too covetous to give it to the memories of the deceased. Lastly, Protestants daily grow more prying into the Popes proceedings, and the [suspected] perfections of such persons, who are to be Sainted; which hath made his Holynesse the more cautious, to canonize none whilest their memories are on the Must, immediately after their Deaths, before the same is fined in the Cask, with some competent continuance of time, after their decease.

Noble Martyrs.

St. Ambrose in his Te Deum doth justifie the Epithet, and by Martyrs all know such only are imported, who have lost their lives for the Testimony of a fundamental Truth.

[Page 13]However we find the word by one of the purest Writers in the primitive times, attributed to such who were then alive.

See here how he bemartyreth such who as yet did survive, but in so servile a condi­tion (condemned to the mines) that they were almost hopelesse, without miracle to be released. Yet dare we not presume on this precedent of St. Cyprian (children must not do what their Fathers may) to use the word so extensively, but by Martyrs un­derstand persons (not in the deepest durance and distresse) but actually slain for the Testimony of Jesus Christ; which by an Ingenious pen is thus, not ill expressed.

Now such Martyrs as our Land hath produced, are reducible to three different Ranks.

• 1. Britons, suffering under Dioclesian, the persecuting Roman Emperor, as Alban, Amphibalus, &c.
• 2. Saxons, massacred by the Pagan Danes, as King Edmund, Ebba, &c.
• 3. English, murdered by the cruelty of Papists, since the Year 1400. as William Sawtree, John Badby, &c.

In the two former of these we are prevented, and they anticipated from us, by the Popes canonizing them under the Title of Saints. The third and last only re­main proper for our pen, martyred by the Romish Prelates for above an hundred and fifty years together.

I confess I have formerly met with some men, who would not allow them for Martyrs, who suffered in the Reign of Queen Mary, making them little better then Felons de se, wilfully drawing their blood on themselves. Most of these I hope are since convinc'd in their judgement, and have learn'd more charity in the School of af­fliction, who by their own Losses have learn'd better to value the Lives of others, and now will willingly allow Martyrship to those, from whom they wholy with-held, (or grudgingly gave) it before.

We have reckoned up these Martyrs according to the places of their Nativity, where we could find them, which is my first choice, in Conformity to the rest of this work. But in case this cannot be done my second choyce is, (for know Reader tis no refuge) to rank them according to the place of their death, which is their true birth-place in the Language ofOrigen lib. 3. Commen [...] in Job Albinus [...]. de divin. Offic. cap. de Sexta Feria pag. 60. Antiquity. Hear how a right Antient Authour expresseth himself to this purpose,Nichol. Papa in Epist. ad con­sulta Bulgaro­rum cap. 5. in fine. Apte consuetudinem tenet Ecclesia, ut solennes beatorum Martyrum vel Con­fessorum Christi Dies, quibus ex hoc mundo ad regionem migraverunt Vivorum, nuncu­pentur Natales, & eorum Solennia non funebria, tanquam morientium, sed, (utpote in vera vita nascentium) Natalitia vocitentur. Now if the day of their Death be justly entituled their Birth-day, the place of their Death may be called their Birth-place by the same Analogy of Reason and Language.

We have given in a List of Martyrs names in their respective Countyes, but not their Total Number, only in [...]isting on such who were most remarkable, remiting the Reader for the rest, to the voluminous pains of Mr. Fox, who hath written All, (and if malicious Papists be believed more then All) of this Subject.

Worthy Confessors.

All good Christians are concluded within the Compase of Confessors in the Large acception thereof.Rom. 10. 10. With the Mouth Confession is made unto Salvation: But here we re­strain this Title to such, who have adventured fair and far for Martyrdome, and at last, not declined it by their own Cowardize, but escaped it by Divine Providence. Confessor is a Name none can wear whom it cost Nothing, It must be purchased for the Maintenance of the Faith, with the Losse of their Native Land, Liberty, Livelyhood, Limbs, any thing under Life it self.

Yet in this confined sense of Confessors, we may say with Leah, at the birth of Gen. 30. 11. Gad behold a Troop cometh, Too many to be known, written, read, remembred, We are forced therefore to reconfine the Word to such, who were Candidates and Probationers, for Martyrdome in proxima potentia. There was not a stride, but, (to use Davids ex­pression)1 Sam. 20. 3. but a step betwixt them and Death, their Wedding Clothes were made (but not put on) for their marriage to the Fire. In a Word they were soft Waxe, ready chafed and prepared, but the Signature of a violent Death was not stamped upon them.

Manifold is the use of our observing these Confessors. First to show that God alone hath Parramount power of Life and Death. Preserving those who by men arePsal. 79. 11. appoin­ted to Dye. One whose Son lay very Sick, was told by the Physician, Your Son Sir, is a dead man, To whom the Father (not disheartned thereat) returned, I had rather a Physician should call him so an hundred times, than a Judge on the Bench, should do it once, whose Pronouncing him for a Dead man, makes him to be one. But though both a Physician in Nature, and a Judge in Law, give men for Gon, The one passing the Censure, the other Sentence of Death upon them, GOD, to whom belongeth the Issues from Death, may Preserve them long in the Land of the Living. Hereof these Con­fessors * Psal. 68. 20. are Eminent Instances, and may God therefore have the Glory of their so strange Deliverances.

Secondly it serveth to comfort Gods servants in their greatest distress. Let hand joyne in hand; let Tyrants piece the Lions cruelty with the Fox his craft; let them face their plots with power, and line then with policy all shall take no effect. Gods ser­vants (if he seeth it for his glory and their good) shall either be mercifully preserved from, or mightily protected in dangers, whereof these Confessours are a Cloud of Witnesses.

We have an English Proverb, Threatned Folks live long, but let me add, I know a Threatned Man who did never dye at all, namely the Prophet Elijab, Threatned by cruel and crafty Iesabel, The 1 King. 19. 2. Gods do so to me and more also, if I make not thy Life like one of their Lives by to morrow at this time, Yet did he never tast of Mortallity, being conveyed by a fiery (hariot into Heaven. Now although our ensuing History presenteth not any miraculously preserved from Death, yet affordetb it Plenty of strange preserva­tions of Persons to extream Old age, though they wear the Marks of many, and mighty mens Menacies, who plotted and practised their Destruction.

We have persued the same course in Confessors, which we embraced in Martyrs, viz. We have ranked them according to their Nativities, where we could certainly ob­serve them, to make them herein Uniforme with the rest of our Book. But where this could not be attained, we have entred them in those Counties, where they had the longest or sharpest [...]. And this we humbly conceive proper enough, see­ing their Confessor-ship in a strict sense did bare true date, from place of their greatest Persecution.

Popes.

I Meet with a mess of English Natives advanced to that Honour. Pope John-Joan is wholly omitted, partly because we need not charge that See with suspicious and doubtful crimes, whose notorious faults are too apparent; partly because this He-She, though allowed of English extraction, is generally believed born atGodwin in Catal. Cardi­nal▪ p. 159. Ments in Germany.

Wonder not that so few of our Countrymen gain'd the Triple-Crown. For first, great our distance from Rome, who being an Island or little World by our selves, had our Archbishop of Canterbury, which formerly was accounted Alterius orbis Papa. Secondly, [...] [...]talians of late have ingrossed the Papacy to themselves, and much good may their Monopolie do them, seeing our English may more safely repose themselves in some other seate, then the Papal Chair, more fatal, (it is to be feared) to such as sit therein, than ever1 Sam. 4. 18. Eli's proved unto him.

Yea, I assure you, four Popes was a very fair proportion for England; For having perused the voluminous book of Pantaleon, De Viris illustribus Germaniae; I find but six Popes Dutchmen by their Nativity, viz. Stephen the Eighth, Gregory the Fifth, Silvester the Second, Leo the Ninth, Victor the Second, and Adrian the Sixth. Seeing therefore Germany in the Latitude thereof, a Continent five times bigger than England, measu­red by the aforesaidHe taketh in all the Nether­lands. Pantaleon with advantage, I say, seeing Germany, the Emperour whereof is, or ought to be Patron to the Pope, produced but Six of that Order, Eng­land's four acquit themselves in a very good appearance.

I need not observe that our English word Pope, came from the Latine Papa, signi­fying a Father, a Title anciently given to other Bishops, but afterwards fixed on the See of Rome. One would have him call'd Papa by abbreviation, quasi PAter PAtriarcha­rum, flitting only the two first syllables. A prety conceit, which I dare no more avouch than his Fancy, who affirmed the former syllable in Papa to be short in verse, for the Pope personal, who indeed are short-lived; whilest the same syllable is long, the word being taken for the succession of Popes, who have lasted above a thousand years.

Cardinals.

A word of their Names, Numbers, Degrees, Dignities, Titles and Habit. Cardi­nals are not so called, because the Hinges on which the Church of Rome doth move; but from Cardo, which signifieth theVitruvius, lib. 10. c. 20. end of a Tenon put into a Mortais being accord­ingly fixed and fastned to their respective Churches. Anciently Cardinalis imported no more than an Ecclesiastical Person, beneficed and inducted into a cure of Soules; and all Bishops generally made Cardinals as well as the Pope of Rome.

In proof whereof, there were anciently Founded in the Church of Saint Pauls, two Cardinals chosen by the Dean and Chapter out of the twelve petty Canons, whose Office it was to take notice of the absence and neglect of all in the Quire, to give the Eu­charist to the Minister of that Church and their servants, as well in health as in sickness, to hear Confessions, appoint penance, and to commit the dead to convenient sepulture. And two of them lie buried in the Church of Saint Faiths with these Epitaphes.

[Page 14]Many other Churches besides Saint Pauls retained this custome of Cardinal making.

Viz. Ravenna, Aquileia, Millain, Pisa, Beneventana in Italy, and Compostella in Spain.

But in processe of time Cardinal became appropriated to such as officiated in Rome, and they are reckoned up variously by Authours, Fifty one, fifty three, fifty eight, sixty I believe their number arbitrary to ben creased or diminished, ad libitum Domini Papae. They are divided into three ranks.

The former of these have Chaires allowed them, and may sit down in presence of his Holynesse, and these are seven in number, whose Sees are in the Vicinage of Rome, and some Englishmen have had the honour to be dignified by them.

Bishop of 1 Hostia,

Bishop of 2 Porto, R. Kilwardby.

Bishop of 3 Sabine,

Bishop of 4 Alba, Nic. Breakspeare.

Bishop of 5 Preneste, Bernar. [...]. Simon [...].

Bishop of 6 Rufine.

7 Bishop of Tusculane.

Cardinall Priests succceed, generally accounted twenty eight, divided into foure Septe­naries, whose Titles are here presented with such Englishmen, Sometimes there were▪ se­veral English Cardinals suc­cessively of the same Ti­tle whose names and numbers will be exhibited in their respe­ctive Counties. who attained to be honoured with such Churches in Rome.

Observe I pray you this Catalogue of Titles (taken out of Sir Henry Spelman his Glossary) is imperfect, Bish. Godwin in his Cata­logue of Car­dinals, p. 165. St. Pastor, being omitted therein, whereof Boso was at last made Cardinal. For these Cardinals were not so mor [...]aised to their Churches, but that they might be removed, especially if advanced a Story higher (from Cardinal Deacons to Priests, from Priests to Bishops) and sometimes though remaining on the same flore, they were removed (to make room for others) to some other Title. Many more Englishmen we had created Cardinals, whose certain Titles are unknown. But let us proceed to the Cardinal Deacons 16. in number,

• 1. St. Mary in Dompusinica.
• 2. St. Lucy.
• 3. St. Mary the new.
• 4. St. Cosmus and St. Damian
• 5. St. Gregory.
• 6. St. Mary in the Greek School.
• 7. St. Mary in the Porch.
• 8. St. Nicholas by the Prison.
• 9. St. Angelus.
• 10. St. Eustachius.
• 11. St. Mary in the water.
• 12. St. Mary in the broad way.
• 13. St. Agathe.
• 14. St. Lucia on thto p of Sabine.
• 15. St. Quintin.
• 16. St. The last lost by the Scribe, in Curia.

I onely find one Englishman Boso by Name made Cardinal Deacon, of St. Cosmus and St. Damian, but it was not long before he was advanced to be a Cardinal Bishop.

[Page 15]The habit of Cardinals is all Scarlet, whereof Theodore Beza tartly enough, thus ex­presseth himself.

They wore also a red Hat of a peculiar fashion to themselves, and rid abroad on hors­back on scarlet Foot-clothes, and Platina in e­jus vita. Pope Paul the Second, made it penal for any beneath their Order in Rome, to use the same. Yea to such a height of pride did they aspire, that we read this Note in the Roman Pontifical, Notandum, quod Caesar antequam coronetur simplici diademate sedet post primum Episcopum Cardinalem, & si quis Rex adest, sedet tunc post primum omnium Presbyterum Cardinalem. Indeed making their own Canons, and being their own Heralds to Marshal their own precedency, they had been much to blame if not carving a good portion of Honour to themselves, whilest devout Princes, abused by bad Instructors and their own erroneous Consciences, gave to the Clergy what they were pleased to demaund.

None might elect the Pope, save such as were Cardi. yea none out of that Order were eligible into the Papacy, as in England, one must first be a Sergeant before he be a Iudge. Cardinal Deacons were, in equal capacity of being Popes with Cardinal Priests, and oftentimes, were preferred before them as they could strenthen their faction, which carried all in these (and I could wish in no other) Elections.

WILLIAM ALLEN, who died Anno 1594, was the last Englishman advanced to this Honour, so that our Country hath not had a Cardin [...]l these sixty years, which from the former six hundred years, was never without one or two of that Order. This may seem a wonder, our Nation being as meriting as any for the Romish Cause, and having as good Heads as any, why should they not weare as gay Hats as others? nor will the reasons assigned for the contrary give satisfaction, viz.

• 1. That the Pope commonly makes Cardinals to gratifie Foreign Kings, whilest our English Soveraigns have ever since been of a different Religion from his Holinesse.
• 2. That our English Catholicks living beyond Seas in the nature of Exiles, and under persecution (as they call it,) so high an honour is inconsistent with their suffering condition.
• 3. That our Englishmen want preferment and Estates, to maintain the di­stance of so great a dignity.

There are at the present two English Natives in France of noble extraction and Ro­mish perswasion, much voyced in common discourse for their probability to such pre­ferment; but on what grounds I do not know, and list not to enquire.

Surely the matter is not great, seeing that dignity hath been observed to be rather fatal then fortunate to the English, and attended with some sad and sudden casualties.

• 1. Cardinal Mackelsfield was four moneths buried before his Cap was brought him.
• 2. Cardinal Sertor dyed in Italy in the Juncture of Time, Inter Pileum da­tum & susceptum.
• 3. Cardinal Fisher, when his Cap was come to Calis, had his head struck off at Tower-Hill.
• 4. Cardinal Somercot was poysoned in the very Conclave to prevent his selection to the Popedome.
• 5. Cardinal Evosham was sent the same way on the same occasion.
• 6. Cardinal Bambridge was poysoned at Rome, by one of his servants be­ing an Italian.

If such their successe, I suppose it far easier for Englishmen to have their caps (though courser and cheaper) made of our own Countrey-wool, which will be more warm, and may prove more healthful for the wearers thereof. I have done with this Subject, [Page 16] when I have observed that there is a Cardinal, Bishop of Sabine, a place near Rome; and a Cardinal Priest of Saint Sabine a Church dedicated to her Memory in the same City; the not heeding whereof I suspect hath bred much confusion in our English Writers. The best is, our Englishmen, when they write of Places in Italy cannot commit greater and grosser mistakes, then what Italians have done, when they have wrote of Towns and Places in England; Though perchance such is their pride, that they will say it is our duty to be exact in Italy, and their courtesie to take any notice of England.

Let not the Reader wonder if Cardinals inserted in others, are omitted in our Cata­logue, viz. Ulricus, Ancherus, Theobaldus, Bernardus de Anguiscello, &c. Seeing I am unsatisfied in some of them, whether they were Cardinals; in others, whether they were Englishmen, Forreign Countries laying more probable claim unto them. Nor will it quit the cost of a Contest, nothing more then their names being left in History with­outa ny other observeables.

Prelates before the Reformation.

Next succeed such eminent Clergy-men who attained to the honour of being Arch­Bishops and Bishops in England, and were famous in their generations.

Objection. These Popes, Cardinals and Prelates, were superstitious persons and Limbs of Antichrist, whose names are better lost then kept. Yea, it mattered not much, if some good Josiah served their bones as those of the idolatrous Priests of 2 Kings 23. 16. Jeroboam, even burn them to ashes, that so their bodies and memories might perish together.

Answer. I am afraid our age affords those, who if they were to manage that Act, would together with their bones, sans difference (notwithstanding the distinguishing Epitaph) burn the bodies of the young and old Prophet, I mean utterly extirpate the Ministerial Function. But I answer, it must be confess'd they were deeply died with the Errors and Vices of the Age they lived in, yet so that some of them were for their Devotion exemplary to posterity; and the very worst of them, though yeelding nothing fit for our Imitation, may afford what is well worth our Observation.

And here be it remembred, that the same Epithete in severall places accepts sun­dry Interpretations. He is called A GOOD MAN in common Discourse, who is not Dignified with Gentilitie; A GOOD MAN upon the Exchange, who hath a responsable Estate; A GOOD MAN in a Camp, who is a tall Man of his Armes; A GOOD MAN in the Church, who is Pious and Devout in his Conversation. Thus whatsoever is fixed therein in other Relations, that Person is A GOOD MAN in History, whose Character affords such Matter as may please the Palate of an Ingenious Reader, and I humbly crave the Honour to be his Taster in this Behalf.

Now of Bishops before the Conquest, the most were meerly nuda Nomina, Naked Names. As for such appearing Clothed with remarkable History, most of them move in an higher Sphere of Saints, and so are anticipated. Since the Conquest; for the first seven Kings, many Prelates were Foreigners, generally French, and so Aliens from our Subject. It will therefore be seasonable to begin their Catalogue about the time of King Henry the Third, deducing it unto the Popish Bishops, who were deprived in the first of Queen Elizabeth.

Lord Chancellours.

The name is taken from CANCELLI, which signifies a kind of wooden Network, which admitteth the eyes of people to behold, but forbids their feet to press on Persons of Quality, sequestred to sit quietly by themselves for publick imployment. Hence Chancells have their denomination, which by such a fence were formerly divided from the body of the Church; and so the Lord Chancellour had a Seat several to him­self, free from popular intrusion.

I find another Notation of this Office, some deducing his name à Cancellando, from Cancelling things amisse, and rectifying them by the Rules of Equity and a good Consci­ence, and this relateth to no meaner Author then Johannes In his book called Nugae [...], or Polyeraticon. Sarisburiensis.

He is the highest Officer of the Land, whose principal imployment is to mittigate the rigour of the Common Law with Conscientious qualifications. For as the Pro­phet complaineth that the Magistrates in Israel had turned Amos 5. 7. JUD [...]MENT into WORM­WOOD, the like would dayly come to passe in England, where High Justice would be High injustice, if the bitterness thereof were not sometimes seasonably sweetned with a mixture of Equity.

He also keepeth the Great Seal of the Land, the affixing whereof preferreth what for­merly was but a Piece of written Parchment, to be a Patent or Charter. For though it be true what Solomon sayes Eccles. 8. 4. Where the word of a King is, there is power; yet that word doth not act effectually, until it be produced under the publick Seal.

Some difference there is between learned Authours, about the antiquity of this Office, when it first began in Eng [...]and.

Polydore Virgil, who though an Italian, could (when he would) see well into English Antiqui­ties, makes the Office to begin at the Conque­rour. And B. Godwin accounteth them sufficient­ly ridiculous, who make Swithin Bishop of Win­chester, Chancellor of England under K. Athelwolfe.

Severall persons are alledged See Master Philpots Cata­logue of Eng­lish Chancel­lors, p. 1. 2, 3. Chancellours to our English Kings before the Conquest, and King E­thelred appointed the Abbat of Elie, ut in History of E [...]ly. Regis Curia Cancellarii ageret dignitatem.

[Page 18]The Controverfie may easily be compremized by this distinction; Chancellour be­fore the Conquest, imported an Office of credit in the Kings Court (not of Judicature, but) of Residence, much in the nature of a Secretary. Thus lately he was called the Chancellour (understand not of the Diocess, but) of the Cathedral-Church, whose place was to pen the Letters belonging thereunto. Whereas the notion of the Kings Chancellour since the Conquest, is inlarged and advanced to signifie the supreme Judge of the Land.

The Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, is in effect the same with the Lord Chancelour of England: save that some will have the Lord Chancellours place ad Terminum Vitae, and the Lord Keepers ad placitum Regis. Sure it is, that because Nicholas Heath late Arch-Bishop of York, and Chancellour of England, was still alive, though outed of his Office, Sir Nicholas Bacon was made Lord Keeper, and in his time the power of the Keeper was made equal with the authority of the Chancellour by Act of Parlia­ment.

We have begun our Catalogue of Chancellours at Sir Thomas More, before whose time that place was generally discharged by Clergy men, entered in our Book under the Title of Eminent Prelates. If any demand, why such Clergy-men, who have been Lord Chancellours, are not rather ranked under the Title of Statesmen, than under the Topick of Prelates? Let such know, that seeing Episcopacy is challenged to be jure Divino, and the Chancellours place confessed to be of Humane Institution, I con­ceive them most properly placed and to their best advantage.

If any ask, why the Lord Chancellours who meddle so much in matters of Law, are not rather digested under the Title of Lawyers then under that of Statesmen? Let such know, it is done, because some Chancellours were never Lawyers ex professo, studying the Laws of the Land, for their intended Function, taking them only in or­der to their own private accomplishment. Whereof Sir Christopher Hatton was an emi­nent instance. As we begin our Catalogue with Sir Thomas More, we close it with Sir Thomas Coventry, it being hard to [...]ay, whether the Former were more Witty and Facetious, or the Later more Wise and Judicious.

Lord Treasurers.

Kings without Treasure will not be suitably obeyed, and Treasure without a Trea­surer will not be safely preserved. Hence it was that the Crowns and Scepters of Kings were made of gold, not only because it is the most pure and precious of metalls, but to show, that wealth doth effectually evidence and maintain the strength and state of Majesty. We may therefore observe, not only in prophane but holy writ; not only in Old, but New Testnment, signal notice taken of those who were Ezra 1. 8. [...] Neh. 13. 13. over the Treasury, in which great place of Trust, the Eunuch served Candace Queen Acts 8. 27. of Ethiopia.

The Office of Lord Treasurers was ever beheld as a Place of great charge and profit. One well skilled in the Perquisits thereof, being demanded, what he conceived the yearly value of the place was worth? made this Return, That it might be worth some thousands of pounds to him (who after death) would go instantly to Heaven, twice as much to him, who would go to Purgatory, and a Nemo Scit to him who would adventure to go to a worse place. But the plain truth is, He that is a Bad Husband for himself, will ne­ver be a good one for his Soveraign, and therefore no wonder if they have advanced fair Estates to themselves, whose Office was so Advantagious, and they so judicious and prudent persons, without any prejudice to their Master, and (for ought I know) Injury to his Subjects.

We have begun our Catalogue at William Lord Powlett Marquess of Winchester. For although before him, here and there Lay-Lords were Intrusted with that Office, Yet generally they were Bishops, and so anticipated under our Topick of Eminent Prelates, and blame me not if in this particular, I have made the Lustrè of the Lords Spiritual, to Eclipse the Lords Temporal, drowning their Civil Office in their Ec­clesiastical Employment. We close our Catalogue of Lord Treasurers, with Francis Lord Cottington.

Secretaries of State.

There were but two of these at once in the Kings time, whereof the one was styled the Principal Secretary, the other the Secretary of Estate. Some have said that the first in the Senioritie of Admition, was accounted the Principall, but the Exceptions in this kind, being as many as the Regularities (the Younger being often brought over the head of the elder to be Principal) Their chiefnesse was Penes Regis Arbitrium. Nor was the one confined to Forreign Negotiations, the other to domestick businesse, (as some have believed) but promiscuously ordered all affaires, though the Genius of some Secretaries did incline them most to forreign Transactions. Their Power was on the matter alike, and Petitioners might make their Applications indifferently to either, though most addressed themselves to him, in whom they had the greatest Interest. Their Salaries were some Two hundred pounds a piece, and five hundred pounds a piece more for Intelligence and Secret Service.

Before the Reformation Clergy-men (who almost were all things) were generally Secretaries of Estate, as Oliver King, Secretary to Edward 4. Edward 5. and Henry the 7. and those came under our Pen in the Notion of Eminent Prelates. We there­fore begin our Catalogue of Secretaries from Sir Thomas Cromwell, in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, because from him until our Time a continued Series of Lay­men ha [...]e discharged that Office.

We [...]onclude our Secretaries of State with Sir John Cook, who perceiving his aged body not so fit for such Active times, resigned his Place about the beginning of the Long Parliament, though surviving some years after in a private condition. We will for the more safety follow the Pattern of so wise a States-man, and where he gave over his Office, we will give over writing of those Officers, for fear we tread too neere on the Toes of the Times, and touch too much on our Modern distempers.

Amiralls or Admiralls.

Much difference there is about the Original of this word, whilst most probable their Opinion who make it of Eastern Extraction, borrowed by the Christians from the Saracens. These derive it from Amir, in Arabick a Prince, and [...], Belonging to the Sea, in the Greek Language, such mixture being precedented in other words. Besides, seeing the Sultans Dominions in the Time of the Holy War, extended from Sinus Arabius, to the North Eastern part of the Midland-Sea, where a barbarous kind of Greek was spoken by many, Amirall (thus compounded) was significatively com­prehensive of his Jurisdiction, Admirall is but a Depraving of Amirall in vulgar mouths. However it will never be beaten out of the Heads of the Common sort, that seeing the Sea is Scene of Wonders, something of Wonderment hath incorporated it self in this Word, and that it hath a Glimps, Cast, or Eye of Admiration therein.

Our English Kings following the Precedent of the Politick Romans, who very sel­dome entrusted places of great importance (especially during life) in a single person, as also that they might gratifie more and trust less, divided the Over-sight of sea-matters betwixt a Triumvirate of Amiralls, and (like wary Merchants) ventured the charge in several bottoms for the more Safety.

I find that Richard Fitz-alin Earl of Arundell, was by King Richard the second, made the first Amirall of all England, yet so, that if Three Co-Admiralls were restored as formerly, his Charter expired. John Vere Earl of Oxford, was, the sirst of Hen. the seventh, Amirall of England, and kept it until the day of his Death. After­wards [Page 19] Men were chequered, at the pleasure of our Princes, and took their turns in that Office. For this cause I can make no certain Catalogue of them, who can take with my most fixed Eye, no steddy aime at them (the same persons being often al­ternately In, and Out of the Place) whilst Officers protermino vitae, may be with some certainty recounted.

Yet have we sometimes inserted some Memorable Amiralls under the Ti [...]le of States­men; and Vice-Amiralls under the Topick of Seamen, because the former had no great knowledge in Navigation, (I say great) it being improper, they should be sea­masters who in no degree were seamen) and were imployed rather for their Trust, then skill, to see others do their Duty, whilst the latter were allwayes persons well ex­perienced in Maritine affairs.

Lord-Deputies of IRELAND.

Ever since King Henry the second conquered Ireland, few of our English Princes went thither in person, and none continued any long time there, save King John, and King Richard the second, neither of them over-fortunate. But that Land was governed by a Substitute, commissioned from our Kings, with the same power though sometimes under several names.

Thus these three Titles are in sense Synonima, to signifie the same power and place. Some erroniously term them Presidents of Ireland, a Title belonging to the particular Governours of Mounster and Connagh.

It is true of Ireland what was once said of * Edom, their Deputies were Kings. No1 King. 22. 47. Vice-roy in Christendome (Naples it self not excepted) is observed in more state. He chooseth Sheriffes, and generally all Officers, save Bishops and Judges, and these also, though not made by his commanding, are usually by his commending to the King. He conferreth Knighthood, hath power of life and death, signified, by the Sword carried commonly before him, by a person of Honour. His attendance and House-keeping is magnificent, partly to set a Copy of State to the barbarous Irish, by seeing the difference betwixt the rude rabble routs runing after their native Lords; and the solemnity of a regulated retinue; partly to make in that Rebellious Nation, a reverential impression of Majesty, that by the Shadow they may admire the Sub­stance, and proportionably collect the State of the King himself, who therein is re­presented. Our English Kings were content with the Title of Lords of Ireland, until King Henry the Eighth, who, partly to shew his own power to assume what style he pleased, without leave or liberty from the Pope (whose Supremity he had suppres­sed in his Dominions) partly the more to awe the Irish, wrote himself King thereof, Anno Dom. 1541. from which Year we date our Catalogue of Lord Deputies, as then, and not before, Vice-Royes indeed.

Indeed it was no more then needs, for King Henry the Eighth to assume that Ti­tle, seeing, quod efficit tale magis est tale, and the Commission whereby King Henry the Second made William-Fitz-Adelme his Lieutenant of Ireland, hath this direction; Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, Regibus; Comitibus, Baronibus, et omnibus fidelibus suis in Hibernia, salutem.

Now, though by the post-poning of these Kings to Arch-bishops and Bishops, it plain­ly appears that they were no Canonical Kings, (as I may say) I mean solemnly invested with the Emblems of sovereignty, [the King of 6 Johannis Claus▪ membra­ni 18 Connagh, the King of Thomond] yet were they more then Kings, even Tyrants in the exercise of their 6 Hen▪ 3. Chart. m. 2. Dominions, so that, King Henry was in some sort necessitated to set himself King Paramount above them all.

Seamen.

Surely Divine Providence did not make the vast body of the Sea, for no other use, than for Fishes to disport themselves therein, or, (as some do conceit) only for to quench and qualifie the drought and heat of the Sun with the moysture thereof, but it was for higher intendmens. Chiefly, That by sailing thereon, there may be the continuing of Commerce, the communicating of Learning and Religion (the Last from Palestine the Staple thereof) and the more speedy and convenient portage of Burthens, seeing, a laden Ship doth flie in comparison of the creeping of an empty Waggon.

Now to speak what Envy cannot deny, Our Englishmen, either for Fights, or Discoveries, whether for tame Ships, Merchants Men, or Wild Ships, Men of War carry away the Garland, from all Nations in the Christian World.

[Page 22]Learned Keckerman, Hoc certum est, omnibus bodie gentibus navigandi industria, & peritia, superiores esse Anglos, & post Anglos Hollandos. who being a German by birth, was unbiased in his judgment, and living in Dantz, (a Port of great trading, whither Seamen repaired from all parts) and writing a Book De re nautica, may be presumed skilful therein, alloweth the English the best Seamen, and next to them the Hollanders. And if the later dare deny the truth hereof, let them remember the late Peace they purchased of the English, and thank God, that they met with so conscientious Chapmen, who set no higher price thereon.

Yea, Let the Dutch know, that they are the Scholars to the English, in some of their Discoveries: For I find the four first Circumnavigators of the World thus qualified for their Nativities,

• 1. Magellanus, a Spaniard.
• 2. Sr. Francis Drake, an Englishman.
• 3. Sr. Thomas Candish, an Englishman.
• 4. Oliver Noort, an Hollander.

But be it known, That the last of these had an Englishman, Captain Purchase, his Pilgrims, lib. 2. Page 17. Mellis by name, Pilot to conduct him.

Yet let not my commending of our English Seamen be misinterpreted, as if I did not refer all successe to the goodnesse of God, the grand Admiral of the World. The praising of Instruments (by way of subordination) is no more detrimental to the honour of the Principal, than the praising of the edge of the Axe is a disparagement to the strength of the Arm which useth it. God I confesse by his Providence ordereth all by Land and by sea; yea, he may be said to be the first Shipwright; for I behold the Arke, as a Bird, wholly hatcht▪ but utterly unfledg, without any feathers of Masts and Tackling, it could only float, and not sail, yet so, that therein was left pattern enough for humane Ingenuity to improve it to Naval perfection.

Yea, God himself hath in Scripture taken signal notice of the dextrous in this nature, on which account we finde the Tyrians, or Men of 1 Kings, 9. 27. Hiram, praised, for that they had knowledg of the sea, when sent with the servants of Solomon to Ophir.

We begin our Catalogue of Seamen in the Raign of King Edward the 3d. before which time there were many good seamen in England, but few good English-seamen, our King using Mariners of the Hanse Towns. But it is no good huswifery to hire Chair­women to do that, which may as well and better be done by her own servants. In the time of Edward the third, England grew famous for Sea-fights with the French, and encreased in credit, especially since the Navy Royal was erected by Q. Elizabeth.

Some conceive it would be a great advancement to the perfecting of English Navigation, if allowance were given, to read a Lecture in London concerning that Subject, in imitation of the late Emperour CHARLES the fifth, who wisely considering the rawness of his Seamen, and the manifold shipwracks which they sustained in passing and repassing between Spain and the West▪Indies, established, not only a Pilote Major, for the examination of such as were to take charge of Ships in that voyage, but also founded a Lecture for the Art of Navigation, which to this day is read in the Contraction House at Sivil: the Readers of which Lecture, have not only carefully taught and instructed the Spanish Mariners by word of mouth, but have also published sundry exact and worthy Treatises, concerning Marine causes, for the direction and encouragement of Posterity.

Here it were to be wish'd, That more care were taken for, and encouragement given to the breeding of Fishermen; whom I may call the spawn, or young Frie of seamen; yea such as hope that Mariners will hold up, if Fishermen be destroyed, may as rationally exspect plenty of hony and wax, though only old stocks of Bees were kept without either Casts or Swarmes.

Nor can Fishermen be kept up, except the publick eating of Fish at set times be countenanced, yea enjoyned by the State. Some suspect, as if there were a Pope in the belly of every Fish, and some bones of superstition in them, which would choak a conscientious person, especially if fasting dayes be observed. But know that such Customes grew from a treble root, of Popery, Piety, and Policy; and though the first of these be pluck'd up, the other must be watered, and maintained; and Statesmen may be mortified and wise without being superstitious: Otherwise the not keeping of Fasting-dayes will make us keep Fasting-Dayes, I mean, The not forbearing of Flesh, for the feeding on Fish, for the good of the STATE, will in processe of time prove the ruine of Fishermen, they of Seamen, both of Englishmen.

[Page 23]We are sadly sensible of the truth hereof in part, (God forbid, in whole) by the decay of so many Towns on our North-east Sea, Hartlepool, Whitebay, Bridlington, Scarborough, Wells, Cromer, Lestof [...], Alborough, Orford, and generally all from New castle to Harewitch, which formerly set out yearly (as I am informed) Two Hundred Ships, and upwards, inployed in the Fisherie, but chiefly for the taking of Ling, that Noble Fish, corrival in his Joule with the surloin of Beef, at the Tables of Gentlemen.

These Fishermen, set forth formerly, with all their male Family, sea-men, sea-youths, I had almost said, sea-children too, (seeing some learn'd the Language of lar-board, and star-board, with Bread, and Butter,) Graduates in Navigation, and indeed the Fishery did breed, the natural and best elemented seamen.

But since our late Civil Wars not three ships are imployed yearly for that purpos [...], Fishermen preferring rather to let their Vesse [...] lye, and rot in their Havens, than to undergo much pain and peril; for, that would not at their return quit cost in any proportion.

So that it is suspicious, That in processe of time we shall lose, (the Masters being few and aged) the Mystery of Ling-catching, and perchance the Art of taking and handling some other kinde of sound and good Fish▪ no Nation (without flattery to our selves be it spoken) using more care and skill in ordering of that Commodity.

Yea, which is a greater mischief, it is to be feared, that the seminary of sea-men will decay. For (under correction be it spoken) it is not the long voyages to the East­Indies &c. which do make, but marr sea-men▪ they are not the Womb, but rather the Grave of good Mariners, it is the Fishery which hath been the Nursery of them, though now much disheartened, because their Fish turn to no account, they are brought to so bad Markets. Nor is there any hope of redressing this, but by keeping up Fasting-Dayes, which our Ancestors so solemnly observed. I say, Our Ancestors, who were not so weak in making, as we are willfull in breaking them, and who consulting the situation of this Island, with the conveniencies appendant thereunto, suited their Lawes and accommodated their Customes to the best benefit thereof.

Nor was it without good cause why Wednesdayes and Fridayes were by them appointed for Fish-dayes: I confesse some Forreigners render this Reason, (and father it upon Clemens Alexandrinus) that, Because those dayes were dedicated by the Heathen, the one to Mercury the God of cheating, the other to Venus the Goddesse of lust, therefore the Christians should macerate themselves on that day with Fasting, in sorrowful remembrance of their Pronity to the vices aforenamed: But waving such fancies our English Fish, or Fasting-Dayes are founded on a more serious consideration.

For our English Fishermen, in Kent, Sussex, Hants [...]re, &c. set forth on Monday, and catch their Fish, which on Tuesday they send up to London, where on Wednesday it is sold and eaten. Such therefore, who lately have propounded to antidate Fish-eating, and to remove it from Wednesday to Tuesday, must thereby occasion the encroaching on the Lords-Day, to furnish the Markets with that Commodity. Again, such Fishermen as returned on Tuesday, set forth afresh on Wednesday, to take Fish, which on Thursday they send up to London, to supply the remainder of the Week; It being observable, that so great is the goodnesse of God to our Nation, that there is not one week in the year wherein some wholesome Fish, caught on our own Coast, is not in the prime Season thereof.

As for Staple or Salt-Fish, there are those that are acquainted in the Criticismes thereof, and have exactly stated, and cast up the proportions, who will maintain, that it will do the deed, and set up the Fishery as high as ever it was, if every one in England able to dispend a Hundred Pounds per annum, were enjoyned to lay out Twenty Shillings a Year, in staple-fish, a Summ so inconsiderable in the Particulars, that it will hurt none, and so considerble in the total, it will help all of our Nation. If any censure this for a tedious Digression, let it be imputed to my Zeal for the good of the Common-wealth.

Writers on Physick.

The P [...]ecept in the Apocrypha hath a Canonical Truth therein, Honour the Physician for necessity sake; and although King Asa justly received little benefit by them, because of his preposterous addressing himself to them, before he went to 2 Chron. 16. 12. God: and the. Woman in the Gospel (troubled with the Issue) reaped lesse ease by Luke 8. 43. their Endeavours; because God reserved her a Subject for his own Miraculous Cure; yet in all Ages Millions have been cured by their Practice.

The Ancient Bri [...]tans, who went without Cloathes, may well be presumed to live without Physick; Yet, seing very Beasts know what is good for themselves (the Dear, the Cretan Dictamum, and Toad, his Antidote of plantaine) sure they had some experimental Receipts used amongst them, and left the rest to Nature, and Temperance to cure: The Saxons had those they termed Leaches, or Bloud-letters, [Page 25] but were little skilled in methodical practise. Under the Normans, they began in Eng­land, (and would we had ferch'd Physicians onely, and not Diseases from France.) Yet three hundred years since it was no distinct Profession by it self, but practiced by men in Orders, witness See their se­veral Chara­cters under their Names in our ensuing Book. Nicholas de Fernham, the chief English Physician and Bishop of Durham, Hugh of Evesham, a Physician and Cardinal, Grisant, a Physician and Pope. Yea, the word Physician, appears not in our Statutes, till the days of King Henry the eight, who incorporated their Colledge at London, since which time they have multi­plied and flourished in our Nation, but never more, and more learned then in our age, wherein that Art, and especially the Anatomical part thereof is much improved, our Civil Wars perchance occasioning the latter.

We begin our Catalogue at Richardus Anglicus our first Physician, flourishing Anno 1230. and continue to Doctor Harvey, whom I may term Gulielmus Anglicus, such honour he hath done England by his worthy Writings. Thus wishing them all happy success in their Practice, I desire a custome in France, and other for­reign parts, naturalized in England, where a Physician is liable to Excommunication, if visiting a Patient thrice before he acquainteth a Priest of his sickness, that so the Medicine for soul and body, may go hand in hand together.

Chimistry.

Chimistry is an ingenious Profession, as which by Art will force somewhat of worth and eminence from the dullest substance, yea the obduras'st, and hardest hearted body, cannot but shed forth a tear of precious liquor, when urged thereunto with its intreaties.

They may be termed Parcel-physicians, every day producing rare experiments, for the curing of many diseas es. bu

I must confess there occurs t few, (and of those few, fewer Modern ones) through the whole series of our Book: Yet may we be said to have extracted the spirits (I mean such as were eminent therein) of this Profession, being confident the judicious Reader, will value one Jem, before many Barly Corns, and one Drop of a true extract, before many Bottles of worthless water.

Chirurgery.

Necessary and ancient their Profession, ever since mans body was subject to enmity and casualty. For, that promise, John 10. 39. A bone of him shall not be broken, is peculiar to Christ. As for the other, Psal. 91. 12. To keep them in all their ways, that they dash not their foot against a stone, though it be extended to all Christians, yet it admitteth (as other tem­poral promises) of many exceptions according to Gods will and pleasure.

It seemeth by the Parable of the good Luke 11. 34. Samaritan, who bound up the Passengers wounds, pouring in Oil and Wine, that in that age, ordinary persons had a general in­sight in Chirurgery, for their own and others use. And it is reported to the just praise of the Scotch Buchanan Re­rum Scoticarum lib. 13. sol. 138. pag. 1. Nobility, that anciently they all were very dextrous thereat, particu­larly it is written of James the fourth King of Scotland, Quod vulnera scientissime tractaret, He was most scilful at the handling of wounds. But we speak of Chirurgery, as it is a particular Mystery, Professed by such as make a Vocation thereof. Of whom we have inserted some (eminent for their Writings or otherwise) amongst Physicians, and that (as we hope) without any offence, seeing the healing of diseases and wounds were anciently one Calling, (as still great the Sympathy betwixt them, many diseases causing wounds, as Ulcers, as wounds occasioning diseases, as feavers,) till in process of time they were seperated, and Chirurgions only consigned to the Manual Operation. Thus wishing unto them, the three Requisits for their practise, an Eagles Eye, a Ladies Hand, ond a Lions Heart, I leave them, and proceed.

Of Writers on Philology and Divinity.

Doctor Collens Kings Professor in Cambridge, and that Oracle of Eloquence once founded his Speech (made to entertain Strangers at the Commencement) on the words of Rom. 16. 15. Saint Paul, Salute Philologus and Olympas. Under the former, he comprised all persons persent, eminent in Humane Learning, under the later, all skillful in Heavenly Divinity.

Indeed Philology properly is Terse and Polite Learning, melior literatura, (married long since by Martianus Capella to Mercury) being that Florid skill, containing onely the Roses of learning, without the prickles thereof, in which narrow sense thorny Phi­losophy is discharged as no part of Philology. But we take it in the larger notion, as inclusive of all human liberal Studies, and preposed to Divinity, as the Porch to the Palace.

Having passed the Porch of Philology, we proceed to the Palace of Divinity. The Writers in this Faculty, we distinguish into two sorts. First, Positive Divines, such I mean, whose works are either Comments on, or else expositions of some portion of Sacred Writ. Secondly, School-men, who have made it their business to Weave find Threads of nicer Distinctions.

Writers on History.

This is either Ecclesiastical or Civil. Of both these, England presenteth many, but generally Moncks before the Reformation, who too much indulging to Holy Fraud, have farced their Books with many feigned miracles, to the prejudice of truth. How­ever, herein foreign Historians have been as guitly as English-men of the same Age, witness the complaint of In his book of the coming of Saint James the Apostle in­to Spain, ch. 1. Mariana the Jesuit, which one may justly wonder how it passed the Index Expurgatorius. Quis enim negare possit Fastos Ecclesiasticos, aliquando adulatione Temporum, aut potius incuria hominum, multis maculis contaminatos, libris aliis, [Page 27] quibus preces Ecclesiasticae ritusque sacrorum continentur, multas fuisse inspersas confusas­que fabulas & commenta: Addam nonnunquam in Templis reliquias dabias, prophana Corpora pro sanctorum (qui cum Christo in coelo regnant) exuviis sacris fuisse proposita. Est enim miserum negare non posse, quid sit turpe confiteri; at nescio quo pacto fictis saepe fabulis, & prae posteris mendaciorum nugis, populus magis quam veritate ac synceritate capitur, ea est mentis nostrae inanitas, has sordes, ubi semel irrepserunt in Ecclesiam sacrorum ritus libros Ecclesiasticos, nobis fortassis dormientibus, attrectare nemo audet, mutive nemo, ne impietatis suspicionem commoreat, scilicet, & Religioni adversarius esse videatur.

Nor hath our Land been altogether barren of Historians since the Reformation, having yielded some of as tall parts, and large performances, as any Nation in Christendome.

Besides these, we have adventured to adde such as have been eminent in Poetry, which may not unfitly be termed the binding of Proselites good behaviour, tying it to the strict observation of time and measure.

Amongst these, some are additioned with the Title of Laureat, though I must con­sess, I could never find the root whence their Bays did grow in England, as to any so­lemn institution thereof in our Nation. Indeed, I read of Petrarch, (the pre-coeta­nean of our Chaucer) that he was crowned with a Laurel, in the Vita Petrac. Capitol, by the Se­nate of Rome, Anno 1341. as also that Frederic the third Emperour of Germany, gave the Laurel to Holdastus lib. tom. 3 p. 482. Conradus Celtes, and since the Count Palatines of the Empire claime the priviledge, solemnly to invest Poets with the Bays.

The branches hereof, in all ages have been accounted honourable, in so much that King James in some sort, wav'd his crown (in the two and twenty-shilling-pieces) to wear the Laurel in his new twenty-shilling-pieces. On the same token, that a wag passed this jeast thereon, That Poets being always poor, Bays were rather the embleme of wit then wealth, since King James no sooner began to wear them, but presently he fell two shillings in the pound in publique valuation.

As for our English Poets, some have assumed that style unto themselves, as John Kay in his Dedication of The Seige of Rhodes to King Edward the fourth, subscribing himself his humble Poet Laureat. Others have in complement given the title to such persons as were eminent in that Faculty, and nothing more usuall then to see their pictures before their Books, and Statues on their Tombs, ornamented accordingly. However, all this is done by civil courtesie, or common custome, no ceremonious crea­tion in Court or University. I write not this, as if I grudged to Poets a whole grove of Laurel, much less a sprig to incircle their heads, but because I would not have any specious untruth imposed on the Readers belief.

Yet want there not those, who do confidently averr that there is always a Laureat Poet in England, and but one at a time, the Laurel importing Conquest and Sove­reignty, and so by consequence soleness in that faculty; and that there hath been a con­stant succession of them at Court, who beside their salary from the King, were yearly to have a tun of win, as very essential to the heightning of fancy. This last I conceive founded, on what we find given to Geffery Chaucer,

But Chaucer, besides his poetical accomplishments, did the King service both in war and peace, as Souldier and Embassadour, in reward whereof, this and many other boons were bestow'd upon him.

Musicians.

Musick is nothing else, but wild sounds civilised into Time and Tune. Such the ex­tensiveness thereof, that it stoopeth as low as bruit beasts, yet mounteth as high as Angels. For Horses will do more for a whistle then for a whip, and by hearing their bells gingel away their weariness.

The Angels in Heaven imploy themselves in Musick, and one ingeniously expres­seth it to this effect The Conceipt is Mr. Walle [...]s, whose book is nor by me at the present to transcribe the very words.

[Page 28]And although we know not the Notes of their Musick, we know what their Ditty is, namely Hallalu-jah.

Such as cavil at Musick, because Gen. 4. 21. Juball, a descendant from wicked Cain, was the first founder thereof, may as well be content to lye out of dores, and refuse all cover to shelter them, because Jaball, of the same extraction, being his own brother, first in­vented to dwell in Tents.

I confess there is a company of pretenders to Musick, who are commonly called Crowders, and that justly too, because they Crowd into the company of Gentlemen both unsent for, and unwelcome; but these are no more a disgrace to the true professors of that faculty, then Monkies are a disparagement to man-kind.

Now right antient is the use of Musick in England, especially if it be true what I read in a worthy Father, and I know not which more to admire, either that so memo­rable a passage should escape Master Camdens, or that it should fall under my observa­tion. Clemens Alexand. Strom. lib. 6. pag. 632.

[...] In [...] Insulâ. S [...] Syl. Burgius Latines it. [...].

They say, even those which compose histories, that in the Island of Britanny, there is a certain Cave, lying under a Mountain, in the top thereof gaping. The wind therefore falling into the Cave, and dash­ing into the bosome of a hollow place, there is heard a tinckling of Cymbals, beating in Tune and Time.

Where this musical place should be in Britain, I could never find; yet have been informed, By Master Stephens, a learned ser­vant to the Bishop. that Doctor Miles Smith, Bishop of Hereford, found something tending that way (by the help of an active fancy) in Herefordshire. But waving this natural, the antiquity of artificial Musick in this Island, is proved by the pra­ctice of the Bards, thereby communicating Religion, Learning and Civility, to the Britans.

Right glad I am, that when Musick was lately shut out of our Churches, (on what default of hers I dare not to enquire) it hath since been harboured and welcomed in the Halls, Parlors and Chambers, of the primest persons of this Nation. Sure I am, it could not enter into my Head, to surm se that Musick would have been so much discouraged by such who turned our Kingdome into a Commonwealth, seeing they prided themselves in the armes thereof, an impaled Harp being Moity of the same. When it was Ask'd what made a good Musitian, one Answered a good voice, another that it was skill, but he said the truth, who said, it was incouragement. It was there­fore my constant wish, that seeing most of our▪ Musicians were men of maturity, and arrived at their full age and skill, before these distracted times began, and seeing what the Historian wrote in another sence, is true here in our acception and application thereof, Res est unius seculi populus virorum; I say, I did constantly wish, that there might have been some semenary of youth set up, to be bred in the faculty of Musick, to supply succession, when this Set of Masters in that Science had served their ge­neration.

Yet although I missed of what I did then desire, yet thanks be to God, I have lived to see Musick come into request, (since our Nation came into right Tune) and begin to flourish in our Churches and elsewhere, so that now no fear but we shall have a new generation skillful in that Science, to succeed such, whose age shall call upon them to pay their debt to nature.

If any who dislike Musick in Churches, object it useless (if not hurtful) in Divine Services, let them hear what both a learned and Hookers Eccle. Pol. pag. 858. Sect. 38. able Divine alledgeth in defence thereof.

In recounting up of Musitians, I have only insisted on such who made it there pro­fession, and either have written books of that faculty, and have attained to such an eminence therein, as is generally acknowledged. Otherwise the work would be end­less to recount all up who took it as a quality of accomplishment, amongst whom King Henry the eighth must be accounted, who (as Erasmus testifies to his knowledge) did not onely sing his part sure, but also compose services for his Chappel, of four, five, and six parts, though as good a Professor as he was, he was a great destroyer of Musick in this Land; surely, not intentionly, but accidentaly, when he suppressed so many Quires at the Desolution.

Romish Exile Writers.

After the Writers before the Reformation, succeed those Romish banished Wri­ters since the same, all living since the reign of Q▪ Mary which might have been distanced from the former with a black line interposed, as beheld under a far different (yea worse) qualification. For the superstitions of the former were the more pardonable, as living in a dark age, which are less excusable in these since the light of the Gospel.

I confess the word Exile carries much of commiseration therein, and with cha­tably minded men bespeaks pitty to the persons, untill the cause of their banishment be well considered. For some in the first of Queen Elizabeth willfully left the Land, and so in effect banished themselves, others having their lives forfeited by the Laws, had their deaths mercifully commuted by ou [...] Magistrates into banishment.

Objection. These men might have been lost without loss, and been omitted in your book as no limbe, but a wen, yea an ulcer thereof.

Answer. Grant them never so bad, being digested into a Classis by themselves, their mixture cannot be infectious to others. Secondly, Abate their errours, and otherwise many of them were well meriting of the Commonwealth of learning. Lastly, The passages of their lives conduce very much to the clearing of Ecclesiast­cal History.

In noting of their nativties, I have wholly observed the instructions of Pitse [...]s, where I knock off with his death, my light ending with his life in that subject, since which time I have neither list to enquire, nor conveniency to attain, of these Romish fugitives beyond the seas.

A just Complaint of the numerosity of needless Books.

Solomon was sensible of this vanity, even in his time, when pronouncing of Book there is no end. The Heathen Poet took notice thereof,

All this was before the invention of Printing, when books came but single into the publique, which since that Mistery is made common, come swimning into the world like shoals of Fishes, and one edition spawneth another. This made learned Erasmus for company sake to jeer himself, that he might the more freely jeer others, In prefat, in tertiam seriem quarti Tomi Hierom. p. 408. Multi mei similes hoc morbo laborant, ut cum scribere nesciant, tamen a scribendo temporare non possunt. Many men like my self, are sick of this decease, that when they know not how to write, yet cannot forbear from writing.

A worthy English Barronet in his book (incomparable on that subject) hath clearly and truly stated this point.

Here I expect, that the judicious Reader will excuse me, if I take no notice of many Modern Phamphliteers, seeing unlearned Scriblers, are not ranked with learned Writers; yea, it was, though tartly, truly said, to the Author of such a book,

[Page 30]Indeed the Press, at first a Virgin, then a chast Wife, is since turned Common, as to prostitute her self to all Scurrilous Pamphlets. When the Author of an idle and im­persect book, endeth with a caetera dessiderantur, one altered it non dessider antur, sed desunt. Indeed they were not (though wanting) wanted, the world having no need of them, many books being like King Joram, who lived not being desired, yea, the Press begineth to be an oppression of the Land, such the burden of needless books therein.

Some will say, the charge may most justly be brought against your self, who have loaded the Land with more books, then any of your Age. To this I confess my fault, and promise amendment, that God willing hereafter I will never Print book in the English tongue, but what shall tend directly to Divinity.

CHURCHES.

SUch Centurions who have erected us Synagogues, places for Gods publick VVorship, seem to me to have given good testimony of their Love to our nation. Bitter was the Brave which railing Rabsheca sent to holy Hezekiah proffering him Isaiah 36. 8. 2000 Horses on Condition that the other were but able to find Riders for them. But it grieves me to see the Superstition of the former insult over the religion of this present age, bragging that she left us ten thousand Churches and Chappels more or lesse ready built, if we can find but repairers to keep them up: It is in my opinion both dishonorable to God, and scandalous to all good men to see such houses daily decay: But there is a genera­tion of people who to prevent the verifying of the old proverb, Pater noster built Churches, and our Father plucks them down; endevour to pluck down both Churches and Our Father together, neglecting, yea despising the use both of the one and the other. Be it here remembred, that it is not only equal but just, that such as have been Founders of Churches or Grand Benefactors unto them, should have due Respect in preserving their Monuments from Violation or Incroachment of others. I urge this the rather, because a­buses have been frequent in this kind, even to those that have deserved best. I can­not with patience remember the Story of Henry Keble Lord Maior of London 1511. who, besides other Benefactions in his Life time, rebuilded Alder-Mary-Church run to very Ruines, and bequeathed at his Death a thousand pounds for the finishing thereof. Yet within sixty years after, his Bones were unkindly yea inhumanely cast Stows Survey of London, pag. 89. out of the Vaute wherein they were buried, his Monument plucked down for some Wealthy Person of the* Idem p. 267. present times, to be buried therein, I could not but on this Occasion rub up my old Poetry;

I could wish this was the last Barbarisme in this kind, and am sorry that upon small Inquiry, I could insist on later Instances.

Free-Schools and Colledges.

I place Schools before Colledges, because they are introductory thereunto, intended for the b [...]eeding of Children and Youth, as the other for youth and men. And seeing much of Truth is contained in our English Proverb, It is as good to be unborn as un­bred, such may in some sort seem their Second-Parents, who have provided for their Education.

These Schools are of two kinds. First, those wherein only a Salary is given to the School-master to teach Children gratis, and these I confess are good. Secondly, such wherein a select number of Scholars have competent maintenance allowed towards their Living in the University, and these all will acknowledge are better. Some do suspect a surfet in our Land of the multitude of Schools, because the Nursery is bigger then the Orchard, the one breeding more Plants then the other can maintain Trees, and the Land not affording sufficient preferment for them, Learning is forced to stoop to mean Courses to make a Livelihood. But I conceive that Store in this kind is no sore▪ and if we must not do evil that good may come thereof, we must not forbear doing that which is good, for fear of accidental Evils which may arise from the same.

Bridges.

Builders of Bridges (which are high-waies over water) and makers of Caused-waies, or Causways (which are Bridges over dirt) though last in order, are not least in benefit to the Commmon-wealth. Such conveniences save the lives of many, ease the la­bour of moe painful travellers, and may be said in some sort to lengthen the day, and shorten the way to men in their journeys; yea, Bridges make and keep this our I­sland a Continent to it self. How great the care of the ancient Romans to repair them, for the safety of passengers, appears by the origination of Pontifex, having the inspe­ction over bridges, by his primitive institution.

Indeed the word bridge appears not in all Scripture, whereof this the reason; the rivers of Palestine were either so shallow, that they were passable by foords, as ofGen. 32. 22. Jab­bok, Isaiah 16. 2. Arnon andJudges 3. 28. Jordan, before it grew navigable; or else so deep, that they were ferried 2 Sam. 19. 18 over, as Jordan, when neer his fall into the Dead Sea: but most of ours in England are of a middle size; so deep, that they cannot be foorded; so narrow, that they need not to be ferried over. Hence come our so eminent bridges, in so much that such structures are accounted amongst our English Anglia, mons, pons, &c. Excellencies.

However Palestine was subject with England to the same inconveniences of bad high­waies, and there [...]ore in the List of Charitable Actours reckoned up by theIsaiah 48. 12. Prophet, he is accounted as a principal, The restorer of paths to dwell in; for indeed some waies may be said not-habitable, being so [...]eep and dirty that they cut off all intercourse, the End general of all mens dwelling together.

I will conclude this Topick of Bridges with this memo [...]able accident. Mawd Q▪ to King Henry the first being to pass the River Ley about Stratford, near the falling of the said River into the Thames, was almostCambd. Brit. in Essex. drowned in riding over it. But this proved the bad cause of a good effect; For hereupon she built the Beautiful Bridge there, for the benefit of Travellers: and the Village probably from a fair Arch or Bow therein, re­ceived (as some conceive) the addition of Stratford Bow. Far be it from me to wish the least ill to any who willingly would not have their fingers to ake, or an hair of their heads lessned. Yet this I could desire, that some Covetous churls who otherwise will not be melted into works of charity, may in their passing over Waters be put into Pe­ril without Peril. Understand me, might be en [...]angered to fright but not [...]urt, that others might fare the better for their fears; Such Misers being minded thereby to make or repair Bridges for publick Safety and convenience.

Alms-houses.

Because we live in an age, wherein men begin to be out of charity with charity it self; and there be many covetous (not to say sacrilegious) people, whose Fingers itch [Page 35] to be Nimming the patrimony of the poor; we will here present the Cavils of this against the charity of former ages herein.

Cavil. 1. Show us the foundation of such Structures in Scripture, either in the Old or New Testament. As for the place with fiue porches, wherein theJohn. 5. 2. impotent poor lay, near the Pool of Bethesda, it was of another Nature. Alsmhouses therefore not being Jure Divino may lawfully be abolished.

Answer. The Constitution of the Jewish was far different from our English Common­wealth, wherein every one originally was a Freeholder of some proportion of land, which, though aliened, reverted to the Owner at the year of Jubilee. There needs not an express or particular precept for all our actions, that general one,Prov. 19. 17. He that hath pity upon the Poor lenaeth unto the Lord, is bottome broad enough to build more Alms­houses on, than all ages will afford. Besides this precept, we have the practice of the primitive Christians in the time of the Apostles,Acts 4. 34. parting with the propriety of all their estate, and well then may we appropriate a part of ours, for the releif of the Poor.

Cavil. 2. The builders of them for the most part, have been people formerly guilty of oppression, who, having lived like Wolves, turn Lambs on their death­beds, and part with their Fleece to people in want. Having ground the faces of the poor, they give the Toll thereof to build an Alms-house, though too little to hold half the beggars which they have made.

Answer. The aspersion cannot be fastned on many Founders, so free from the same, that malice may sooner break her own Teeth and Jawes too, th [...]n make impression on their reputation. But, grant the charge true, in this sense, Beatum est fuisse, Blessed are they that have been BAD;1 Cor. 6. 11. Aud such were some of you: Let not envious man repine at that, whereat the blessed Angels rejoyce, the conversion of sinners, and their testifying thereof by such publique expressions.

Cavil. 3. Such Builders generally have a Pope in their Belly, puffed up with a proud opinion to merit by their performances.

Answer. When did the Caviller steal the Touch-stone of hearts? (for, God, I am sure would not lend it him, who saith,Isaiah 42. 8. My Glory will I not give to another) that he is so well acquainted with mens thoughts and intentions. Charity, saith the1 Cor. 13. 5. Apostle, thinketh no evil, whereas this Caviller thinks little good. We are bound to believe the best of such Founders, especially of such who lived Since the Reformation, whereby the dangerous Error of merit was exploded.

Cavil. 4. Grant them guiltlesse of Superstition, they are guilty of Vain-glory. Witness the building of such houses commonly by high▪way sides, whenas our Saviour saith, Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth.

Answer. The Objecter shall have leave to build his Alms▪house, in what private place he please; in the middle of a Wood, if he shall think fitting, (But we know* Matth. 5. 16. who saith) Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glo­rifie your Father which is in heaven. That they may see yours good works, though not as finis operis, yet as modus operandi thereby to provoke others to imitation.

Cavil. 5. As some affirm of Tobacco, that it causeth as much Rheume as it bringeth away: Alms-houses do breed as many Poor as they relieve. People in such places, presume to be idle, beholding Hospitals as their Inheritance, wherein their old age shall be provided for.

Answer. What is good per se, ought not to be waved for what is ill per a dens This calleth aloud, to the care and integrity of Feoffees intrusted, to be wary in their elections. Besides, I must stick to mine old Maxime, It is better that Ten Drones be fed then one Bee be famished.

Cavil. 6. Such places are generally abused against the will of the Founders. Statutes are neglected. What is said of the Laws in Poland, that they last but three dayes, is as true of the short lived orders in Alms-houses. Not the most indigent, or who have been the most laborious, but the best befriended reap the benefit thereof.

Answer. I could wish that Alms-houses were the only places, wherein Laws were broken. But grant too much truth in the Cavil, all will say from the beginning it was not so, and I will hope, Unto the end it shall not be so.

[Page 36] Cavil. 7. Hospitals generally have the Rickets, whose heads, their Masters, grow over great and rich, whilest their poor bodies pine away and consume.

Answer. Surely there is some other cure for a Ricketish body, than to kill it, viz. by opening obstructions and deriving the Nutriment to all parts of the same. But, enough of this unwelcome Subject, whereof what is spoken, is not to put new Cavils into the heads of any, but to pluck old ones out of the hearts of too many, who have entertained them. If these our Answers seem not satisfactory to any; Know, that as a left handed man hath great odds in Fencing, against one that is right handed: So in Con­troversies of this kind, Cavillers with their sinister inferences from mens frailties, have a vast advantage over those, who are of candid and ingenuous dispositions. Many faults must be confessed in such Foundations, which for the future may be amen­ded.

But, grant corruptions should continue in such foundations, it is not plea enough for their abolition. If the sentence of condemnation was pronounced on those, who saw Christ naked, and would not* cloth him; how heavy a doome will fall on such,Mat. 25. 43. who found Christ clothed, and stript him in his poor Members of endowments given to their maintenance?

Here let me recommend some choice Charity to bountiful Hearts and plentiful Estates.

It were arrant presumption for any to imprison freedome it self, and confine ano­thers Bounty by his own [pretended] Discretion. Let the charitably minded do what, when, where, how, to whom, and how much, God and their own goodnesse shall direct them. However it will not be amisse humbly to represent unto them the follow­ing considerations: The rather because many well affected to the publick good, have lately been disheartned with the frustrations of former Charity.

First, for the time: it is best to do it whilest they are living, to prevent all suspicions that their intentions should be misimployed. Sem will not be angry with me for saying Cham was a Mocker of his Father. Peter will not be offended if I call Judas a betray­er of his Master: Honest Executors will take no exception if I justly bemoan that too many dishonest ones have a [...]used the good intents of the Testators. How many Legacies sound and whole in themselves have proved before they were payed, as maimed as the Cripples in the Hospitalls, to whom they were bequeathed? Yea as the blinded Syri­ans (desiring to go, and beleiving they went to 2 King. 6. 20. Damascus) were led to their Enemies, and into the midst of Samaria, so is it more then suspicious, that many blind and con­cealed Legacies, intended for the Temple of God, have been imployed against the God of the Temple.

Next for the objects of well doing. Surely a vigilant Charity must take the Alarum from the Groans of the Prisoners.

The Schoolmen reduce all Corporal Charity to seven principal heads,

See here how these 7. kinds of good Works are placed like the Planets, whilst to Redeem Captives, stands like the Sun in the midst of all the rest.

Indeed it may be sadly presumed; that such Captives oft times want Visiting, Meat, Drink, Clothes, Dressing, and all things but burying (except any will say, that they are buryed alive; Liberty being the Life of mans life) so that the Redeeming of Captives is eminently comprehensive of all these outward acts of Charity. Yea this Act may extend it self to a Spiritual Concernment; to save many Souls from Damnation; seeing it may be feared that many dispairing of Ransome, may put their Souls in Thral­dome [Page 37] to purchase the Liberty of their Bodies, and renounce their Religion.

could therefore wish, That there were in London, a Corporation of able and ho­nest Merchants (whereof that City affordeth a plentiful choice) legally impowered to receive and imploy the charity of well affected people for a General Goale Delivery, of all English Captives, in Tunis, Tripoli, Algier, Salli, &c. And our Countrymen first discharged, if there were any Surplusage running over, that it might be disposed for the ransoming of Christians of what Country soever. This were a Heroick Act indeed, whereby Christians endevour to be like Christ himself, who was the Grand Redeem­er.

Oh, that I might be but instrumental (in the least degree) to advance their En­largement; I should behold it as an advancement to my self. Two Reasons make me the more importunate therein; One, because the Papists had a Company of Fryers in England, of the Order of the Holy Trinity, De Redimendis Captivis, which being now extinct, I humbly conceive that we are bound in Conscience, as to quench the Superstition, so to continue the Charity of so good a design. Secondly, because whilst other Beggars can tell their own Tale, we must plead for them who cannot plead for themselves; There being so great a Gulf of distance betwixt us and them; And God grant, That we may never passe over to theirs, but they return to our Condition.

Objection, 1. It maketh Marriners Cowards, who presuming on good mens charity, that they shall be ransomed, do not fight it out valiantly against the Turks, as they ought and might, but surrender themselves on such expectations.

Answer. I see not but the same Objection lies with equal force against the Redeem­ing of Souldiers taken in land Fights, by what Foe soever, by exchange, or other­wise. Secondly, accidentall and sinister miscarriages, ought not to discourage any sin­cere intention. Lastly, let those, who have given the best testimonies of their Va­lour, be first redeemed, and let them lye longer, to suffer bad usage, till the fee­ling thereof, shall convert them into more valour, if (after their Liberty procured) ingaging again on the same occasion.

Objection, 2. The late Long Parliament made an Act, since (after some intermission) renewed, charging a Taxe on Merchants Goods (known by the name of Algier Dutie) for the Redemption of Captives in Turkey.

Answer. The blessing of God light on the hearts of those (if living) who first moved, and since revived it, as I doubt not but those departed this life, have found their Reward. I could heartily wish, that yearly a Catalogue were printed of the names of such prisoners thereby redeemed, not knowing whether it would be more honourable for, or Satisfactory to this Nation. But seeing such provisions fall short of doing the Work, and cannot strike home to break off the Fetters of all Prisoners, It will not be amiss to implore the auxiliary Charity of others.

Next I desire them to reflect upon aged sequestred Ministers; whom with theirReader, this passage being written some 3. years since, I could not command my own right hand to cross it out, but it must stand as it did. charge, the (generally ill paid) fifth part will not maintain, say not it will be in­terpreted an affront to the State to Releive them, which it hath adjudged Offenders. If the best of beings should observe this Rule, all the World would be starved. Secondly, some of them, abateing only that their Conscience inclined them to the Royal Cause, were otherwise unblameable both in Life and Doctrine. Thirdly, the better Divines they were, the worse they are able to shift for themselves, having formerly no excur­sion into secular affairs, so that applying themselves only to, and now debarred the exercise of the Ministry, they are left in a sad condition. Lastly, allow them faulty, yet quid teneri infantes? &c. It is pity their Wives and Children should be ruined for their offence, but enough hereof, seeing in motions of this Nature, a word is enough to the wise, and half a word too much for others.

Lastly, I recommend unto their Charity, such Servants who have nothing save what they have gained by their industry, and have lived seven years and upwards, with the same Master, I mean not Apprentices, but such Covenant Servants, which are bound to their Masters (their year being ended) with no other Indentures then their own discretion, and are sensible that they must run a hazard, and may loose with their alteration. Especially such Females, who prefer a good Master in certain, before a good Husband in hopes, and had rather serve in plenty, then wed and adventure Poverty.

[Page 38]I confess such is the cruelty of some Masters, no Servant can, and such the fickle­nesse of others, no Servant may stay long with them. Such a Master was he, who being Suitor to a Gentlewoman, came every time he visited her, waited on by a new man (though keeping but one at once) such was his unconstancy and delight in Change. Whereupon when taking leave of his Mistresse, he proferred to salute her spare your Complements (said she unto him) for probably I shall shortly see you again, but let me, I pray you, salute your Servant, whom I shall never behold any more.

However though sometimes the [...]ault may be in the Masters, or Mistresses, yet generally Servants are to be blamed in our Age, shifting their places so often without cause. The truth is, the Age that makes good Soldiers, marrs good Servants, cancel­ling their obedience, and allowing them too much Liberty. What Nabal applied false­ly and spitfully to David (There be many Servants now a dayes which break away every 1 Sam. 25. 10 man from his Master) was never more true then now. Yea, what Tully said of the Roman Habemus vi­gilem consulem qui in consulatu suo nunqu [...]m dormivit. Consull (chose in the morning and put out before night) some Servants have been so vigilant, they never slept in their Masters houses, so short their stay, so soon their Departure.

The Ficklenesse and Fugitivenesse of such Servants, justly addeth a valuation to their Constancy, who are Standards in a Family, and know when they have met with a good Master, as it appears, their Masters know when they have met with a good Servant. It is pity but such Properties of a Houshold should be incouraged, and Bounty bestowed upon them, may be an occasion to fixe other Servants to stay the longer in their pla­ces, to the general good of our Nation.

I desire these my Suggestions should be as inoffensively taken, as they are innocent­ly tendred. [...] I know there was in the water ofJohn 6: Bethesda after the Angell had troubled it, a medicinal power. I know also that such impotent folk as lay in the five porches, were the proper Subjects to be cured: But alas! they wanted one at the critical instant, to bring their wounds and the Cure together, and to put them seasonably into the water. I am as confident that there be hundreds in England, really willing and able to Releive, as that there are Thousands that do desire, and in some sort deserve their charity. But there wanteth one in the pr [...]per juncture of time, to present such poor objects, to their liberality, and if these my weak endevours may be in any de­gree instrumentall to promote the same, it will be a great comfort unto me.

I will conclude this Subject with a motive to Charity, out of the Road of, besides, if not against the ordinary Logick of Men.

To Seven and to Eight, that is, extend thy Bounty to as high a Proportion of de­serving persons, as can consist with thy Estate, for thou knowest not what evill will be upon the Earth, Matters are mutable, and thou mayest need the relief of others.

Ergo, saith the Miser, part with nothing, but keep all against a Wet day, not so, So­lomon, advising to secure somewhat in a safe bank, the backs and bowels of the Poor. Never Evil more likely to, never People less knowing of the same then our selves. And there­fore the Counsell never out of, is now most in season.

Why Benefactors Since, are distinguished from them, Before the Reformation.

I conceive it not fit to mingle both together, for these two Reasons▪ First, because of the difference of their Charity Since the Reformation, as not parched up by the Fear of the Fire of Purgatory, but kindly ripened by the Sun, viz. A Clear Apprehension by the Light of the Scripture, that they were bound to do good Works.

Secondly, because a RomishMr. Knot the Jesuite. Goliah hath defied our English Israel, taxing our Church Since the Reformation, as able to shew few considerable pieces of Charity, in comparison of those beyond the Seas, who may hence be easily confuted.

[Page 39]Indeed when I read the emulations between Peninna and Hanna, it mindeth me of the contests betwixt the Church of Rome and us, such the conformity between them.

Her 1 Sam. 1. 6. Adversary provoked Hanna sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord hath shut up her Womb.

But how did Hanna rejoyce afterwards? The See the Life of Mr. William Lambert in Kent. Barren hath born seven, and she that hath many Children, is waxed feeble.

It is confessed immediately after the Refor­mation, Protestant Religion stood for a while in amaze (scarcely recovered from the Mari­an Persecutitn) and was but1 Sam. 2. 5. barren in good works. But since her beginning to bear fruit, she hath overtaken her Roman Corrival, and left her fairly behind.

Let the extent of time, and content of ground be proportionably stated, and England cannot be matched for Deeds of Charity in any part of Spain, France, and Italy, as by the ensuing Catalogue of Benefactors to the Publick will appear.

Objection. You had better omitted them, leaving them modestly to multiply and in­crease in their own silence and secresie. You know how dear David paid for2 Sam. 24. 15 numbring the people.

Answer. David did not offend in meer numbring the people, but in not paying the Poll-money, appointed byExod. 30. 12. God in such cases (purposely to decline the Plague) which omission argued his Pride of heart. It is lawful for Protestants, without any just sus­picion of Vain▪ glory and Ostentation, to make a list, and take the number of Bene­factors in this kind, provided the Quit-rent of praise, be principally paid to the Lord of Heaven. Besides we are not Challengers, but Defenders of our selves herein, against the challenge of another, desiring to do it in all humility, in confidence of our good cause.

And here I can hold no longer, but must break forth into a deserved commenda­tion of good works. Glorious things in Scripture are spoken of you, yea fruits of the spirit. By them the Gospel is graced, wicked men amazed, some of them converted, the rest of them confounded, weak Christians confirmed, poor Christians relieved, our faith justified, our reward in Heaven by Gods free grace amplified; Angels rejoyce for them, Devils repine at them, God himself is glorified in them. Oh therefore! That it were in my power, to exhort my Countrymen, to pursue good works with all earnestnesse, which will add so much to their account.

Some will say, if the English be so forward in deeds of Charity, as appeareth by what you said before, any exhortation thereunto is altogether supers [...]uous.

I answer, the best disposed to Bounty may need a Remembrancer; and I am sure that Nightingale, which would wake, will not be angry with the Thorn which prick­eth her Breast when she noddeth. Besides, it is a Truth what the Poet saith,

Thus the exhortations of the Apostles at Jerusalem, were commendations of St. Paul, Only they would that we should remember the poor, the same which I also was forward to do.

Lastly, though many of our Nation be free in this kind, there want not those, who instead of being Zealous are Jealous of good works, being so far from shining them­selves, that they enviously endevour to extinguish the light of others; whose Judge­ments I have laboured to rectifie herein.

The Stating of the Word REFORMATION, with the Extensiveness thereof.

No word occurs oftner in this our Book then REFORMATION: It is as it were the Aequator, or that remarkable Line, dividing betwixt Eminent Prelates, Leaed Writers, and Benefactors to the Publick, who lived Before or After It.

Know then that this Word in Relation to the Church of England, is of above twenty years extent. For the Reformation was not advanced here, as in some Forraign Free­States, [Page 40] suddenly not to say (rapidly) with popular Violence, but Leisurely and treatably as became a matter of so great importance, besides the meeting with much opposition, retarded the proceedings of the Reformers.

We may observe that the Jews returned from the Captivity of Babylon at three dis­tinct times, under the Conduct of several persons.

• 1. When the main Body of the Captives was brought home by
  E [...]ra. 2. 2.
  Zorobabel, by whom the second Temple was built.
• 2. When a considerable Company returned with
  Ezra 8. 5.
  Ezra, by whom the Church part (as I may tearm it) was setled in that Nation.
• 3. When
  Nehem. 2 6.
  Nehemiah (no doubt with suitable attendance) came home and ordered the State moiety repairing the VValls of Jerusalem.

In like manner we may take notice of three distinct Dates and different degrees of our English Reformation, though in relation to the Jewish, I confess the method was al­together inverted. For,

• 1. The Civil part thereof, when the Popes Supremacy was banished in the Reign of King Henry the Eight.
• 2. VVhen the Church Service was reformed, as far as that Age would admit, in the first year of King Edward the Sixth.
• 3. VVhen the same (after the Marian interruption) was resumed and more refined in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth.

The first of these I may call the morning Star. The second the dawning of the day. The third the Rising of the Sun; and I deny not but that since that time his light and heat hath been increased.

But now the Question will be, what is to be thought of those Prelates, Writers, and Benefactors, which lived in the aforesaid Interval betwixt the Beginning and Per­fecting of this Reformation. For these appear unto us like unto the Batable ground lying betwixt England and Scotland (whilest as yet two distinct Kingdomes) in so dubious a posture it is hard to say to which side they do belong.

It is Answered the only way to decide this difference is to observe the Inclinations of the said persons so far forth as they are discovered in their Writings and actions: such as appear in some good degree favourers of the Gospel are reputed to be since whilest those who are otherwise, are adjudged to be Before the Reformation.

Of the method general used in this Catalogue.

The first amongst the Commissioners is the Bishop of their Diocesse, put before any Earl, partly because he was in his own Diocesse, partly because giving of Oaths (their proper work) was conceived to be of Spiritual cognisance.

Besides the Bishop, when there were three (as generally) Commissioners, the first of them was either an Earl, or at least (though often intituled but Chivaler) an Actual Baron, as will hereafter appear: And which will acquaint us partly with the Peer­age of the Land in that Age.

Next follow those who were Knights for the Shire in the Parliament foregoing, and, if with the addition of Chivaler or Miles, were Knights by dubbing, before of that their Relation.

All Commissioners expressed not equal Industry and Activity in prosecution of their trust. For besides the natural Reasons, that in all Affairs, some will be more rigo­rous, some more Remiss by their own Temper, some more, some less fancyed their Imployment, insomuch as we find some Shires;

• 1. Over done, as Oxford and Cambridge-Shires, whose Catalogues are too much allayed, descending to persons of meaner quality.
• 2. Even done, as generally the most are, where the Returns bear a competent pro­portion to the Populousness and numerousnesse of the Counties.
• 3. Under done, as Shropshire, York-shire, Northumberland, &c. where the Returns do not answer to the extent of those Shires.
• 4. Not done. Which I sadly confess, and cannot help, being Twelve in number as hereafter will appear.

I dare not conjecture the cause of this Casualty, whether in such Shires, the Oaths were never Tendred, or tendred and not taken, or taken and not returned, or returned and not recorded, or recorded and not preserved, or preserved but misplaced in some Roll, which hitherto it hath not been my hap to lite upon.

It is possible that some disgusted the Kings Design, as who under the pretence of keeping the peace, indevoured to smother and suppress such, who should appear for the Title of York, whereof more in the Respective Countyes.

May the Reader be pleased to take notice, that in the Reign of Henry the Sixth, de such a place, began then to be left off, and the addition of Knight and Squire to be assumed. Yet because no Fashion can be generally followed at first, such additions are used in the Returns of some Shires, and neglected in others.

In some Counties we have the Names of a few Mechanicks, returned with their Trades, Brasier, Smith, Ironmonger, &c. Who no doubt were considerable, either in themselves, as Robustious Persons, or in their Servants as Numerous, or in their popular and tumultuous Influence of others. And grant these passing under the name of Valecti, (whereof formerly) it appears by the penalty imposed on their Recu­sancy of the Oath, that they were substantial [...] which stood (and propably could make others go) on their own Account.

Some Clergymen, not only Regular, as Abbots and Priors, but secular Parochial priests, are inserted in some Returns. These some will say might well be omitted, as nothing Informative to the Gentry of the Land, because dead Stakes in the Hedge, then un­concerned in posterity, because forbidden marriage. However I have here presented as I found them, intending neither to mingle nor mangle, conceiving that if I were found guilty either of Omissions or Alterations, it might justly shake the credit of the whole Catalogue. Indeed if the word Superstition importeth not Trespassing on Religion, and if the bare signification be adequate to the Etymology thereof, a Super Stando, for stan­ding in his own opinion too curiously, on a thing which in the Judgement of others, may not Merit so much Exquisitenesse, I here voluntarily confess my self Superstitious in observing every Punctillo according to the Original.

May the Reader be pleased to take notice that in mens proper names, some letters of like sound, are confounded in vulgar pronunciation, as V for F. Fenner and Venner, K. and C. Kary and Cary; F. and Ph. as Purfrey and Purphrey, though the name be the same in both. Sometimes the name is spelled, not truly, according to Orthography, [Page 44] but according to the common speaking thereof, which melteth out some essential Letters, as Becham for Beauchamp.

Again there is such an allusion betwixt the forms of some letters (nothing symbo­lyzing in sound) that as they are written (though not in ordinary) in Record-hand, they may easily be mistaken by Writer or Reader, through the similitude of their Chara­cter, as,

This hath put us many times to a stand, and sometimes to a loss, what letter, it hath been. But we have in all particulars conformed our Transcript to the original in all pos­sible exactness, though afterwards taking the boldness to interpose our opinion in our observations.

A later List might be presented of the English Gentry, towards the end of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, but such would be subject to just exception. For, as the Gibeonites, though by their mouldy bread, and clouted Shooes, pretending to a long peregrination, were but of the Vicinage: So most of those Gentry, notwith­standing their specious claim to Antiquity, will be found to be but of one Descent, low enough in themselves, did they not stand on the vantage ground, heightned on the Rubbish of the Ruines of Monasteries.

Why the Worthies in this Work are digested County-ways.

First, this Method of Marshalling them is new, and therefore I hope neverthelesse acceptable. Secondly, it is as informative to our judgements, to order them by Coun­ties according to their place, as by Centuries (so oft done before) according to the time; seeing WHERE is as essential as WHEN to a mans being. Yea both in some sort may be said to be jure divino, understand it ordered by Gods immediate providence, and therefore are coupled together by the Apostle, Acts 17. 26. And hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. If of their habitation in ge­neral, then more especially of the most important place of their Nativity.

The Spirit of God in Scripture taketh signal notice hereof,Psal. 87 6. The Lord shall count when he writes up the people, That this man was born there. John 1. 44. Philip was of Bethsaida, the City of Andrew and Peter; and all know how St. Paul got his best Liberty, where he saw the first light in Tarsus a City of Cilicia.

When Augustus C [...]ar issued out a decree to taxe the whole World, it was ordered therein, thatLuke 2. 8. every own should go into his own City, as the most compendious way to prevent confusion, and effectually to advance the businesse. I find the same to ex­pedite this work, by methodizing the Worthies therein according to the respective pla­ces of their Nativities. If some conceive it a pleasant sight in the City of London, to behold the Natives of the several Shires, after the hearing of a Sermon, passe in a decent equipage to some Hall, there to dine together for the continuance and in­crease of Love and Amity amongst them: Surely this Spectacle will not seem unplea­sant to ingenuous Eyes, to see the Heroes of every particular County, modelled in a body together, and marching under the Banners of their several Eminencies.

Here may you behold how each County is Innated with a particular Genius, inclining the Natives thereof to be dexterous, some in one profession, some in another; one carrying away the credit for Souldiers, another for Seamen, another for Lawyers, ano­ther for Divines, &c. as I could easily instance, but that I will not forestall the Rea­ders Observation; seeing some love not a Rose of anothers gathering, but delight to pluck it themselves.

Here also one may see, how the same County was not always equally fruitful in the production of worthy persons; but, as Trees are observed to have their bearing and barren years: So Shires have their rise and fall in affording famous persons, one age being more fertile then another, as by annexing the dates to their several Worthies will appear.

In a word, my serious desire is, to set a noble emulation between the several Coun­ties, which should acquit themselves most eminent in their memorable off spring. Nor let a smaller Shire be disheartned herein, to contest with another larger in extent, and and more populous in persons, seeing Viri do not always hold out in proportion to Ho­mines. Thus we find the Tribe of Simeon, more numerous than any in Israel (Judah and Dan only excepted) as which at their coming out of Egypt, afforded no fewer, [Page 54] thanNum. 1. 23. fifty nine thousand and three hundred. Yet that Tribe did not yeild Prince, Preist, Prophet, or any remarkable person; Apocrypha, Judith only excepted. Multi gre­garii, pauci egregii; and Multitude with Amplitude is never the true Standard of Emi­nency, as the judicious Reader by perusing and comparing our County Catalogues, will quickly perceive.

A Case of Concernment propounded, and submitted to the Equity of the Reader.

It is this. Many Families time out of mind, have been certainly fixed in eminent Seats in their respective Counties, where the Ashes of their Ancestors sleep in quiet, and their Names are known with honour. Now possibly it may happen, that the chief Mother of that Family, travelling in her Travel by the way side, or by some other Casualty, as visit of a friend, &c. May there be delivered of the Heir of her Family. The Question is, whether this Child shall be reputed the Native of that place where his Mother accidentally touched, or where his Father, and the Father of his Fathers have landed for many Generations.

On the one side, it seemeth unreasonable to any man according to his Historical con­science, that such a casual case should carry away the Sole credit of his Nativity. This allowed, & tota Anglia Londinizabit, a Moiety almost of the Eminent Persons in this Modern age, will be found born in that City, as the Inn-general of the Gentry and No­bility of this Nation. Whether many come to prosecute Law-Suits, to see and to be seen, and on a hundred other occasions, among which I will not name, saving of house-keeping in the Countrey.

One Instance of many. I find by the Register of St. Dunstans, in the West, Lon­don, that Thomas Wentworth afterward Earl of Strafford was born in that Parish, and Christned in the Church aforesaid, his Mother big with Child, probably coming thi­ther for the conveniency of a Midwife. Now what a wrong is it to deprive Woodhouse, Wentworth in York-Shire, where his Family hath continued in a noble Equipage for many years, there possest of a large Revenue, of the honour of his Nativity?

On the other side it is clea [...] in the Rigour of the Law (and I Question whether Chauncery in this case, will or can afford any Remedy) that the Minute of the Birth of any person at any place, truly entitles the same to his Nativity. This is plain by the Statutes of those Colledges in either University, that confine Fellowships to Counties, and it will be said, transit onus cum honore, the burthen as well as the Profit is to be conveyed on the same occasion.

Reader, the case thus stated, is remitted to thy own arbitration. However thus far I have proceeded therein, in this following Work, that when such Alterations (for I can give them no better term) and accidental Straglings from the known place of their Family shall appear unto me, I am resolved to enter them in those places accor­dingly. But until I receive such Intelligence, I will confidently admit them in that place which is generally known in persons of Honour for the principal habitation of their Family.

An EXPEDIENT when several Places claim the Birth of the same Person.

It often cometh to passe that two or more places intitle themselves to the Nativity of the same Man; Here my Endevour is to keep the Peace (as well as I may) betwixt them, as in the Instance here inserted,

See here four places challenge one man, and I am as unwilling to accuse any of fals­hood, as I am unable to maintain all in the Truth.

However the difference may thus be accomodated, Bradwardins Ancestors fetch'd their Name from that place in Herefordshire, according to Camden; though he himself was born (as Bale saith) at Hartfeld in Sussex; within the City (saith Pits) of Chi­chester, interpret him ex [...]ensively not to the Walls, but Diocesse and Jurisdiction there­of. As for Suffolk in Bishop Godwin, I understand it an Erratum in the Printer for Sussex.

Our usual expedient in the like cases is this, to insert the Character at large of the controverted person in that County, which (according to our apprehension) pro­duceth the best Evidence for him; yet so, that we also enter his name with a reference in the other respective places, which with probability pretend unto him.

If equal likelyhood appear unto us on all sides, that County clearly carries away his character, which first presenteth it self to our Pen, in the Alphabetical Order.

Thus lately, when the same Living was in the gift of the Lord Chancellour, Lord Trea­surer, and Master of the Wards, that Clerk commonly carried it, who was first pre­sented to the Bishop. However, though in the disputable Nativities of worthy men, first come, first serv'd, a Caveat is also entred in other Counties, to preserve their Ti­tles unprejudiced.

It must not be forgotten, that many, without just cause, by mistake, multiply differences in the places of mens Births. The Papists please themselves with reporting a Tale of their own inventing, how the men of two Towns in Germany fell out, and fought together, whilst one of them was for Martin, the other for Luther, being but the several names of the same person. If one Author affirms Bishop Jewel born at Buden, another at Berinerber, let none make strife betwixt these two Writers, the former naming the House and Village, the later the Parish wherein he was born, a case which often occurs in the Notation of Nativities.

That the Children of Clergymen have been as successeful as the Sons of Men of other Professions.

There goeth a common Report, no less uncharitable than untrue, yet meeting with many Beleivers thereof, as if Clergy mens Sons were generally signally unfortunate, like the Sons of Ely, 1 Sam. 2. 12. Hophnies, and Phineaz's, dissolute in their Lives, and 1 Sam. 4. 11. doleful in their Deaths; This I may call a Libell indeed, according to Sir Francis Bacon his De­scription thereof; for first, it is a Lye, a notorious untruth; and then a Bell, some lowd and lewd Tongue hath told, yea Rung it out, and perchance was welcome Musick to some hearers thereof.

It is first confest, that the best Saints and Servants of God, have had bad as well as good children extracted from them. It is the Note of Illiricus on those words of Saint John to the Elect Lady: 2 Joh. 4. I rejoiced greatly, when I found of thy Children walking in the Truth. He saith not all thy but of thy children, intimating that she had mingled Ware, Corn and Tares in those who were descended from her. Thus Aaron (for I desire to restrain my self in instances of the Priests) had Nadab and Abihu, two Levit. 10. 2. strange Fire Offerers, as well as his Godly Sons Eliazar and Ithamar. Yea, I find one of the best Fathers, having two (and those I beleive all he had) of the worst 1 Sam. 8. 3. Sons, even Samuel himself.

Nor do we deny, but that our English Clergy have been unhappy in their off-spring, (though not above the proportion of other Professions) whereof some have not un­probably assigned these causes. First, If Fellows of Colledges, they are ancient be­ [...]ore they marry. Secondly, their children then are all Benjamins, I mean the chil­dren of their Old age, and thereupon by their Fathers (to take off as much as we may the weight of the fault from the weaker Sex) cockered and indulged, which I nei­ther defend or excuse, but bemone and condemn. Thirdly, Such Children after their Fathers Death are left in their Minority, to the careless Care of Friends and Executors, who too often discharge not their due trust in their Education, whence it is such Orphans too osten embrace wild courses to their own destructions.

But all this being granted, we maintain that Clergy-mens Children have not been more unfortunate, but more observed than the Children of the Parents of other Professions. There is but one Minister at one time in a whole Parish, and therefore the fewer they are, the easier they are observed both in their Persons and Posterities. Se­condly, the Eminency of their place, maketh them exposed and obvious to all dis­coveries. Thirdly, possibly Malice may be the Eye-salve to quicken mens Sight, in prying after them. Lastly, one ill Success in their Sons, maketh (for the reasons aforesaid) more impression in the Ears and Eyes of people, then many miscarriages of those Children whose Fathers were of another Function. (I speak not this out of Intent to excuse or extenuate the Badnesse of the one, by the Badnesse of the other, but that both may be mutually provoked to Amendment.) In a word, other mens Children; would have as many Eyesores, if they had as many Eyes seeing them.

Indeed, if happinesse be confin'd unto outward Pomp and Plenty, and if those must be accounted unfortunate (which I in the true meaning of the word must interpret un­providenced) who swim not in equal Plenty with others, then that Epithet may be fixed on the Children of the Clergy. Whose Fathers coming late to their Livings, and sur­prised by Death, not staying long on them (which at the best afforded them but nar­row maintenance) leave them oft-times so ill provided, that they are forced without blame or shame to them (as I conceive) to take sometimes poor and painful Employ­ments for their Livelyhood.

But by our following Endevours it will plainly appear, that the Sons of Ministers have by Gods blessing proved as Eminent as any who have raised themselves by their own Endevours. For Statesmen George Carew, Privy Councellor of England, Scotland, and Ireland; and as able a man [absit Invidia] as the age he lived in produced, was Earl of Totnes, the same place whereof his Father was Arch-deacon. Sir Edwin San­dys, Son to Arch-bishop Sandys, will be acknowledged even by his Enemies, a man of such merit, that England could not afford an Office which he could not manage. [Page 58] For Lawyers, Sir Thomas Richardson, lately, and the never sufficiently to be com­mended Sir Orlando Bridgeman, now Lord Chief Justice, with many others. For Seamen▪ Sir Francis Drake, that great Scourge and Terror to the Spanish Pride.

If any say, these are but thin Instances out of so thick a number, de tot modo mili­bus unus, few of so many Hundreds, know we have only taken some Eminent per­sons, leaving the rest, for fear to be counted Forestallers to the Collection of the Reader in our ensuing Book.

But the Sons of Ministers have never been more successeful, then when bred in the Professions of their Fathers, as if some Peculiar Blessing attended them, whilst they continue therein. Thus of the Prelatical Clergy, we have Francis Godwin a Bishop, the Son of a bishop, and Doctor John King Son to his Reverend Father the Bishop of London. And of other Clergy men we have three Generations of the wards in Suffolk. As many of the Shutes in York shire, no lesse painful then pious and able in their Professions.

Let me add, that there were at one time 3 Fellows of Kings Colledge, Sons of emi­nent Divines, and afterwards Doctors of Divinity.

• 1 Samuel Collings.
• 2 Thomas Goad.
• 3 William Sclater.

And I believe there were not severally in their Generations, men more signal in their different Eminencies.

It is easie for any to guess out of what Quiver this Envenomed Arrow was first shot against the Children of Clergy men; namely, from the Church of Rome. Who in their Jurisdiction forbid the Banes of all Clergymen, against the Law of Nature, Scripture, and the practice of the Primitive Church. And in other places unsubjected to their power, bespatter the posterity of the Clergy with their scandalous Tongues. Yet be it known unto them, the Sons of English Priests or Presbyters may be as good as the Nephews of Roman Cardinals. However, because Antidotes may be made of poy­sons, it is possible that Good may be extracted out of this false Report; Namely, if it maketh Clergy-men more careful to go before their Children with good Examples, to lead them with good Instructions; to drive and draw them (if need so requireth) with Moderate Correction seasonably used, putting up both Drye and Wet Prayers to God for his Blessing on their children. As also, if it maketh the children of Clergy-men to be more careful, by their circumspect lives, to be no shame to the Memory and Profession of their Fathers.

Of the Dates of Time annexed to the Persons and their Actions.

The Sun, that Glorious Creature, doth serve Mankind for a double use, to lighten their Eyes with his Beams, and Minds with his Motion. The later is performed by him as appointed for Gen. 1. 10. Signs and for Seasons, as he is the great Regulator of Time, joynted into Years and Months, carved into Weeks and Dayes, minced into Hours and Minutes.

[Page 59]At what a sad loss are such, who living in Lone Houses, in a Gloomy Winter Day, when the Sun doth not at all appear, have neither the benefit of Watches, Silent Clocks, nor of Clocks, Speaking Watches, being ready oft-times to mistake Noon for Night, and Night for Noon. Worse Errors are committed by those, who being wholy ignorant in Chronology, set the Grand-children before their Grandfathers, and have more Hysteron­Proterons, than of all other Figures in their Writings.

The Maxime, He who distinguisheth well instructeth well, is most true in the observing of the Distinction of time. It will pose the best Clerk to read (yea to spel) that Deed, wherein Sentences, Clauses, Words and Letters, are without Points or Stops, all continued together. The like Confusion ariseth, when persons and their actions are not distanced by Years, nor pointed with the periods of Generations.

I have endevoured in my following work, to Time Eminent Persons by one of these Notations, First, that of their Morning or Nativity, the second, that of their Noon or Flourishing, the last, that of their Night or Death. The first is very uncertain, many Illus­trious Men being of obscure Extraction. The second more conspicuous, when Mens Lustre attracts many Eyes to take Notice of them. Many see the Oake when grown, (especially if a standard of Remark) whilst few (if any) remember the Acorn, when it was set. The last is not the least Direction, as which is generally observed. It com­eth to pass somtimes, that their Deaths acquaint us with their births, viz. when atten­ded on their Tomb with Intelligence of their age, so that by going backward so many years from their Coffins we infallibly light on their Cradles.

Some Persons in our Works are notified by all of these Indications, most with two, and all with one of them. When we find a Contest amongst Chronologers, so that with the mutinous Ephesians, Acts 19. 32. some cry one thing, and some another, being as much dispersed in their Opinions, as the Amorites in their Persons (when defeated by Saul) so [...] Sam. 11. 11. that two of them were not left together, in such a case, I have pitched on that Date (under correction of better judgements) which seemed to me of greatest Probability.

An Apology for Qualificatives used, and Blanks left in this History.

I approve the plain Country By-word, as containing much Innocent Simplicity therein,

So have the Latines their prope, fere, juxta, circiter, plus minus, used in matters of fact by the most authentick Historians. Yea, we may observe, that the Spirit of Truth it self, where Numbers and Measures are concerned, in Times, Places and Persons, useth the aforesaid Modificatives, save in such cases, where some mystery contained in the number, requireth a particular specification thereof.

None therefore can justly find fault with me, if on the like occasion I have secured my self with the same Qualificatives. Indeed such Historians who grind their Intelli­gence to the powder of fraction, pretending to cleave the pin, do sometimes misse the But. Thus one reporteth, how in the Persecution under Dioclesian, there were neither under nor over, but just nine hundred ninety nine Martyrs. Yea, generally those that Trade in such Retail-ware, and deal in such small parcells, may by the ignorant be commended for their Care, but condemned by the judicious for their ridiculous curio­sity.

But such who will forgive the use of our foresaid Qualificatives (as but limping and lamenesse) will perchance not pardon the many blanks which occur in this Book, ac­counting them no better then our Flat fallingto the ground, in default of our Industry [Page 61] where they found their best preferment, especially if Convents or Dignities of signal note; as Henry of Huntington, not born, but Arch-Deacon there; William of Malms­bury, and Matthew of Westminster, no Natives of those Towns; but Monks of the Monasteries therein.

However to prevent Cavils, and avoid Confusion, and to distinguish those from the former, their Names are marked with S. N. for second Nativity, to shew, that whence soever they fetcht their Life, here they found their best Livelyhood. But when a person plainly appears born beyond the Seas, We take no notice of him, though never so highly advanced in England, as without our Line of Communication, and so not belonging to this Subject.

What REM. for Remove when affixed in the Margin doth Denote.

We meet with some persons in this our Work, whose Nativities we cannot Reco­ver with any great Probability, neither by help of History, or Heraldry, or Tradition, or Records, or Registers, or Printed, or Writen books, which hitherto have come to our hands. Now if such persons be of no Eminence, we intend not to trouble our selves and Reader with them, Let Obscurity even go to Obscurity, when we find no great note in them, we take not any notice of them. But in case they appear men of much Merit, whose Nativities are concealed by some Casualty, we are loath that their Memories, who whilst living were Worthies, now dead should be Vagrants, repo­sited in no certain place.

Wherefore we have disposed them in some Shire or other, not as Dwellers, no nor so much as Sojourners therein. But only as Guests, and we render some slight Rea­sons, why we invited them to that place, rather then another, seeing a small motive will prevail with a charitable mind, to give a Worthy Stranger a Nights Lod­ging.

However, that these may not be confounded with those, of whose Nativities we have either assurance or strong presumption. We have in the Margin charactered them with a Rem. for Remove, it being our desire that they should be transplanted on the first convincing Evidence, which shall appear unto us, to their proper place. And therefore I behold them as standing here with a Staffe in their hands, ready to pack up, and go away, whither any good Guide shall give them direction.

Always provided, that as they are set here, with little, they be not removed hence with lesse probability; an unset bone is better then a bone so ill set, that it must be broken again to double the pain of the Patient. And better it is these persons should con­tinue in this their loose and dislocated condition, than to be falsly fixed in any place, from whence they must again be translated.

Now Reader (to recollect our marginal or prefixed characters) know it is the best sign when no Sign at all is added to a name, for then we proceed on certainty; at least wise, on the credit of good Authors, for the place of his Nativity, thus the best of the house giveth his Coat plain, whilst the following differences are but the Diminutions of the younger brothers, viz.

• 1. Amp. Where our Evidence of a persons birth is but conjectural and craveth fur­ther instruction.
• 2. S. N. When having no aim at the place of their birth, we fixe them according to their best Livelyhood.
• 3. REM. When wholly unsatisfied of their position, we remit their Removal to the Readers discretion.

Now seeing order only makes the difference betwixt a wall and a heap of stones, and seeing, Quibene distinguit bene docet, we conceived our selves obliged to part, and not jumble together the several gradations.

How Persons belonging to several Topicks are ranked.

It often [...] to passe, that the same person may justly be entituled to two or more [...]opicks, as by the ensuing may appear. [Page 60] for not seeking due Information. But let such know, that those Officers, who by their place are to find out persons enquired after, deserve neither to be blamed nor shamed, when having used their best diligence, they return to the Court a Non est in­ventus.

For my own part, I had rather my Reader should arise hungry from my Book, than surfeited therewith; rather uninformed than misinformed thereby; rather ignorant of what he desireth, than having a falsehood, or (at the best) a conjecture for a truth obtruded upon him.

Indeed, I humbly conceive that vacuity which is hateful in nature, may be helpful in History. For, such an hiatus beggeth of posterity, to take pains to fill it up with a truth (if possible to be attained) whereas, had our bold adventure farced it up with a conjecture, intus existens prohibuerit extraneum, no room had been left for the ende­vours of others.

What Ampliandum, so often occurring in this Book, doth import.

It is sufficiently known to all Antiquaries, that causes brought to be heard and de­termined before the Roman Judges, were reducible to two kinds.

Hence it is, that we find the Roman Pro Cec. 290. a. Oratour complaining of an unjust Judge, Cum causam non audisset, & potestas esset Ampliandi, dixit sibi Liquere.

I should be loth to be found guilty of the like offence in rash adjudging mens Nati­vities to places, on doubtful Evidence, and therefore when our presumptions do ra­ther incline then satisfie, we have prefixed AMP. before the Names of such persons. For when they appear undoubted English, and Eminent in their respective Qualities, it would be in us a sin of omission not to insert them; and yet being ignorant of the ex­act place of their Birth, it would be presumption peremptorily to design it without this Note of Dubitation, though on the most tempting Probabilities. Know also that when AMP. is used in the Arms of Sheriffs, it is only done in such an Exigent, where there are different Coats of very ancient Families, and largely diffused, as [Nevil, Ferrers, Basset, &c.] So that it is hazardous for me to fixe on one in such great variety.

What S. N. frequently appearing prefixed to Mens NAMES doth signifie.

When we cannot by all our indevours inform our selves of the Nativities of some eminent person, we are forced to this Refuge (so creditable, that I care not what Eyes behold us entring under the Roof thereof) to insert such persons in those Coun­ties, where we find them either first or highest preferred: and this we conceive pro­per enough, and done upon good consideration. For the wild Irish love their Nurses as well (if not better) than their own Mothers, and affect their Foster-brothers, which suckt the same breast, as much as their Natural-brothers whith sprang from the same Womb. If any say these are the wild Irish, whose barbarous customes are not to be imitated, I defend my self by the practice of more civilized people.

The Latines have a Proverb, non ubi nascor, sed ubi pascor, making that place their Mother, not which bred, but which fed them. The Greeks have but one word, [...], both for Life and Livelyhood. The Hebrews accounted that place was to give a Man his Native Denomination, where he had his longest and most visible [...], from (though not sometimes in) his Infancy. By which common mistake Jesus was intituled on the cross, of Nazareth instead of Bethlehem.

Yea, we may observe; that though generally our English Clergy [...] [...] from their Birth places: Yet some few quitted them, to be named from those [...],

[Page 62]

The Question is now, under what head they shall be properly placed, seeing so many lay claim unto them?

Some will say, let them be ranked in that capacity wherein they excelled. This I humbly conceive is an invidious work for any to perform. Seeing none have made me, I will not make my self a Judge in this Case, many appearing equally eminent in their several capacities, but have embraced the following Order.

First, The Titles of Saints and Martyrs carrieth it clearly from all others, I be­hold them as heavenly honours, and Glory outshines Gold; next I deny not, I have an affection for Benefactors to the Publick, and much indulge that Topick, clean tho­rough this Work, Psal. 119. David saith to God himself, thou art good, there is a clear spring, and thou doest good, there is a comfortable stream. Benefaction therefore being a God-like▪act, blame me not if under that Title, those have been ranked, who otherwise had more outwardly honourable Relations. For the rest I am not asha­med to confesse, that Casualty in such who came first, and Conveniency in such, who agre­ed best with my present occasion, regulated them in their method, and so be it they be here, the placing of them is not so much material.

A Corrollary about the Reciprocation of Alumnus.

The word Alumnus is effectually directive of us (as much as any) to the Nativi­ties of Eminent persons. However we may observe both a Passive and Active inter­pretation thereof. I put Passive first, because one must be bred before he can breed; and Alumnus signifieth both the Nursed child and the Nurse, both him that was edu­cated, and the Person or Place which gave him his Education. Wherefore Lau­rentius Valla (though an excellent Grammarian) is much deceived, when not admit­ting the double sense thereof, as by the ensuing instances will appear.

The Design which we drive on in this observation, and the use which we desire should be made thereof is this, viz. That such who are born in a Place, may be sen­sible [Page 80] of their Engagement thereunto; That if God give them ability and opportunity, they may expresse their Thankfulnesse to the same.

And the Truth hereof is eminently conspicuous in many Persons, but especially in great Prelates before, and rich Citizens since the Reformation.