THe Romans having thus forsaken this Island, two Kingdoms seem to have gain'd a firm establishment in the Northern parts thereof, those I mean of the Picts and Scots; for though other Kings and Princes are mention'd in other parts, yet were they subject to the Romans, and in a manner under their Allegiance: The Picts being indeed no other then the remainder of the Unconquer'd Britains, were so disturb'd by the Romans, that they could not before this time, come to any Settlement: As for the Scots, they were at the best but Auxiliaries to the Picts mingled with them in all their Invasions, and often by the Ro­mans driven back into Ireland from whence they came. Now being rid of the Romans, these Scots fix'd their Habitations, and Erected a Kingdom in the Northern Coasts of Britain, under Fergusius their King: Of these two Nations and Kingdoms, the principal in this Age was that of the Picts, who possess'd the Provinces about Edinburgh confining to the Wall, An­tiently call'd the Picts Wall; the Scots inhabiting the Provinces next to Ireland, but after turning their Arms against the Picts, they utterly de­stroy'd their Kingdom and Name, and gave to the whole Country, the Appellation of Scotland.

In the year of Grace 423. the Emperour Honorius dy'd, in whose place succeeded Valentinian the III. and in the Eastern Empire Reign'd the younger Theodosius: The same year dy'd Pope Bonifacius, and after him was chosen Pope Caelestinus, to whom our Islands of Britain and Ireland have an Eternal Obligation, for by him they were preserv'd from Errour, and effectually Converted to, or Confirm'd in the Christian Faith: By him St. Palladius was sent to the Scots, whom he freed from their Barbarous Idolatry. By him St. Patrick was directed an Apostolick Teacher into Ireland, where he wrought the like effect; and by him St. Germanus and St. Lupus, two Holy and Learned Bishops of Gaul, were imploy'd to Cure Britain of the Pestilent Infection of Pelagianism there spread by Agricola.

Now since Patricius the great Apostle of Ireland, did both begin and end his days in Britain, it will be little or no Excursion here to insert some of his Principal Gests: He Convers'd here in Brittain, by his Holy example inviting his Countrymen to the imitation of his Virtue and Piety. St. Germa­nus and Lupus encourag'd him to go into Ireland, and that especially upon [Page 80]this occasion. On a day St. Patrick in his sleep saw a man coming to him out of Ireland, with many Letters in his Hand, one of which he gave to the Saint, who read it. In the beginning of it was written, This is the voice of the Inhabitants of Ireland: As soon as St. Patrick had read these words. He heard the voices of many Infants, crying to him, as out of their Mothers wombes in several Provinces of Ireland; Holy Father, come and converse amongst us: St. Patrick having heard this, felt great Compunction in his Heart, but could read no more of the Letter: As soon as he awak'd, he gave Thanks to God, being assur'd by this Vision, that our Lord had call'd him to be an Instrument of the Salvation of those who thus cry'd unto him: It is written, That St. Patrick hereupon asking Councel of our Lord touching this Affair, and by the means of the Angel Victor, receiv'd this Divine Oracle: That forsaking his Country and Parents, he should pass over into Gaul, there to be more perfectly instructed in the Christian Doctrine and Discipline.

Palladius sent into Brittain by Pope Caelestine, being as yet but a Deacon, sound the Civiller part, formerly under the Roman Jurisdiction, defil'd with Heresie, and the Northern parts under the Scots, wholly buried in the mists of Paganism: Of this he sent notice to the Pope, who re-call'd him, to advise of Remedies for both these mischiefs: To oppose the Pela­gian Heresie, he directed Germanus and Lupus; to rescue the Northern parts of the Island from Paganism, he sent back Palladius, after he had exalted him to an Episcopal Degree, as his Legate, and Apostle of the Scottish Nation, as Prosper more at large relates: It is said that Palladius attempted the Conversion of the Irish, but in vain, so that the British Scots were the peculiar objects of his care and endeavours; and this ap­pears the more clearly, for that Servanus and Tervanus, the two principal Disciples of Palladius, are reckon'd among the Learned Teachers of Bri­tain, of whom the former was sent to instruct the Inhabitants of the Or­cades, and the other to the Picts, over whom he was created Archbishop, and as some say succeeded St. Ninianus.

The labours both of Servanus and Tervanus were very prosperous; but Palladius is thought not to have liv'd above a year after he was made Bishop. Soon after the first Voyage of Palladius into Britain, the People thereof being neither willing to receive that perverse Doctrine which Blasphem'd the Grace of Christ, nor able to refute the Subtilties of those who maintain'd it; by common advice, crav'd assistance from the Gallican Bishops, who in a Synod for that purpose assembled, made choice of St. Germanus and St. Lupus, one Bishop of Auxerre, and the other of Troyes, to pass over into Brittain, to confirm the Faith of Coelestial Grace. All which was done, as appears by Prosper, with the Consent and by the Di­rection of Pope Caelestine: Germanus was born at Auxerre, descended from Illustrious Parents, brought up in good Literature; wherein he so ad­vanc'd himself, that he became an Ornament to his Country; and that nothing might be wanting to the perfecting of his Learning; after he had frequented the Gallican Schools, where he was taught the Liberal Sciences, he went to Rome, where he inrich'd his Mind with the perfect knowledge of the Imperial Laws: At his return he was made Governour of the City and Territories of Auxerre the place of his Nativity.

While he was Governour there, Amator the Bishop of that City, a Holy man, preparing himself in the Church to perform his Office, and [Page 81]perceiving Germanus their Prefect, entering with a Body and Mind com­pos'd to Modesty and Piety; commanded immediately that the Doors should be fast Lock'd: And then accompanied with many of the Clergy and Nobility, laid hold on Germanus, and devoutly calling on the Name of the Lord, cut off his Hair, and devesting him of his Secular Ornaments, respectfully cloath'd him with a Religious Habit; and said thus to him, Now my Dear Brother, it is our Duty to be diligent in preserving this Honour committed to thee, without stain: For as soon as I am dead, Almighty God commits to thee the Pastoral Charge of this City: Amator shortly after dy'd, in whose place Germanus succeeded, about the year of Grace 418. From the first day in which he undertook the Episcopal Office, to the end of his Life, he never us'd Wine, Vinegar, Oyle, nor so much as Salt to give a Relish to his Meat: At his Refections, he first took Ashes into his Mouth, and after that Barley-bread, and this so slender and ungrateful Diet, he never us'd till toward Sun-set sometimes; and as is said he would Fast half a Week, yea seven whole days, without any satisfaction given to his craving Stomach; his Bed was hard Boards cover'd over with Ashes, and to prevent any profound sleep, he would admit no Pillow under his Head: He spent indeed whole nights in continual Sighing, and incessantly water'd his hard Couch with his Tears: He was a zealous observer of Hospitality, and when ever any poor, or Strangers, came to him, he would prepare for them a Plentiful Feast, while himself Fasted; yea with his own Hands he would wash their Feet, Kissing and sometimes Bedewing them with showers of Tears. He built a Monastery, into which he oft retir'd feed­ing and refreshing his Mind there with the wonderful sweetness of Cae­lestial Contemplation.

St. Lupus was born at Toul, a City of the Leuci, of a Noble Family, after his Fathers death he was sent to School, and there imbew'd in the study of Rhetorick, he Married the Sister of St. Hilarius Bishop of Arles; she was inflam'd with the Love of Chastity from her youth: Hence it was that after seven years spent in Marriage, by Divine Inspiration both of them exhorted one another to a state of Conversion; Lupus by a strong impulse from Heaven was mov'd to visit the Blessed St. Honoratus, first Abbot of the Famous Monastery of Lerins, to whose Discipline he humb­ly submitted himself in continual Watchings, Fastings and Mortifications, and intending to Sell his Possessions, and distribute the Money to the Poor, he was on a suddain compell'd to take upon him the Bishoprick of Troyes, where he behav'd himself so well, that he was stil'd the Father of Fathers, Bishop of Bishops, and a second Jacob of his Age.

These two Holy men, under the conduct of our Lord, took upon them to be the Apostolick Reformers of the British Churches, their Humility and Austerity of Life, had a proper and specifick Virtue to oppose the Pride and Sensuality of the Pelagian Hereticks. What befell them at Sea, would not be omitted.

At first their Ship was carried with favourable Winds from the Gallick Coasts, 'till they came into the midst of the Sea, where no Land could be dis­cover'd, but presently after the fury of a whole Legion of Devils, envying their design for the Salvation of Souls, is said to have assail'd them; dangers appear on every side, Storms are rais'd, Darkness covers the Heavens, and that Darkness becomes more terrible, by the fearful swelling of the Sea, and rage of the Air, no longer are the Sails able to sustain the fury of the Winds, [Page 82]nor the Boat able to resist the Mountains of Waters dashing against it, so that the Ship was carried forward rather by their Prayers, than the skill or force of the Mariners: The prime Pilot St. Germanus was then securely compos'd in sleep, and the Ship ready to sink, so that St. Lupus and the Company were fain to awake the Old man; who was only able to withstand the fury of the enrag'd Elements. He not at all astonish'd at the danger, Addresses his Prayers to our Lord, and his Threats to the unruly Ocean; To the raging storm he oppo­ses the cause of Religion, which invited them to that Voyage; and presently with a little quantity of Oyl, which he Blessed in the Name of the Holy Tri­nity, and then sprinkled upon the Waves, he overcame their fury: His Col­legue he admonish'd, the rest he encourag'd, so that with one breath and cla­mour Prayers were pour'd forth to our Lord, and immediately the Divine Vir­tue shew'd it self present, the Infernal Enemies were dissipated, a calm tranquil­lity ensu'd, the Windes and Waves became serviceable to the Voyage, and all things concurr'd to their safe Arrival in a quiet and secure Haven: Several examples of the like effects, wrought by common Oyl, Blessed in this manner, may be found in several Authors.

These two Holy men being Landed, great multitudes from several quar­ters met to receive them, having as is said, been inform'd of their com­ing, by the Predictions of Wicked Spirits, who were afrighted thereat, and declar'd openly their tampering by Tempests and otherwise, to hinder the Passage of these Holy Men; and that by their Power and Sanctity, they had at last been vanquish'd and disappointed: These Venerable Bishops soon fill'd the whole Island with their Fame, Preaching and Mi­racles; they were so over-press'd with multitudes resorting to them, that they Preach'd Gods Word, not only in Churches, but in Lanes and High­ways, whereby Catholicks were confirm'd in the Faith, and those who had been deprav'd reduc'd to the Church: The Authority of their Holyness, the Eminence of their Learning, the wonder of their Miracles, gave them the esteem and Honour of Apostles, and reduc'd the whole Island to the acknowledgement of their Doctrine: The promoters of the contrary per­swasion, crept into dark Holes, vex'd as the wicked Spirits were, to see the People freed from their Snares: Yet at last after long study and meditati­on, they presum'd to enter into a Dispute with these Apostolick men.

The Pelagians are said to come Pompously attended by their flattering Disciples, and rather chose to run the hazard of a conflict, than by their Si­lence confess they had an ill Cause: Infinite numbers were assembled, with their Wives and Children, to hear this Dispute: The Disputants stood on each side, of much different condition; on the one side was placed Di­vine Authority, on the other Humane presumption, here Orthodox Faith, there Perfidious Errour; here Christ was Author, there Pelagius: The Holy Bishops gave free scope of disputing to the Pelagians, who vainly spent the time, and tyr'd the Auditory with empty Verbal Discourses: But after them the Venerable Bishops poured forth the torrent of their Elo­quence, accompanied with Evangelical thunder, with their own Dis­courses, Texts of Divine Scripture, the word of God giving witness to their Assertions: And thus vanity became convinc'd, and Perfidiousness confu­ted; so as the Hereticks by their inability to reply, acknowledg'd their guilt; and the People standing by as Judges, could scarce contain their Hands from violence towards them, and with Clamours resounded the Victory.

Immediately a Tribune of the Army with his Wife, leading in their hands their young Daughter about ten years Old, being Blind, came into the midst of the Assembly, and presented their blind Child to the Bishops, desiring their help for her Cure: They had formerly offer'd her in vain to the adverse Party; who likewise stricken with a guilty Conscience, joyn with the Parents in their entreaties to the Holy Prelates in behalf of the Child: They perceiving the expectation of the People, and the Convicti­on of their Adversaries, address themselves to God by short Prayer: Then St. Germanus full of the Holy Ghost, invok'd the Blessed Trinity, and taking from his Neck a little Box full of Holy Relicks, in the sight of the whole Multitude, he apply'd it to the Eyes of the young Maid, which im­mediately loosing their former Darkness, were fill'd with a new Light from Heaven: At this so apparent Miracle the Parents rejoyce, and the People tremble: After this day all mens minds were so clearly purg'd from this impious Heresie, that with thirsting desire they receiv'd the Doctrine of these Holy Bishops.

Perverse Heresie thus repell'd, and the Authors of it confuted; the Holy Bishops repair'd to the Sepulchre of St. Albanus, intending to give Thanks to God by his intercession, and having with them Relicks of all the Apostles and divers Martyrs; after Prayer made, commanded the Sepulchre to be open'd, and there with great Reverence laid up those precious Gifts; think­ing it convenient that the same Repository should contain the Members of many Saints, out of divers Regions, whom Heaven had receiv'd and Crown'd for the equality of their Merits: St. German then caus'd to be dig'd up from the place where the Blessed Martyr St. Alban had shed his Blood, a Masse of dry'd Earth, which he intended to take with him; in which were then extant Marks of the Martyrs death, and the Paleness of his Persecutors: These things being thus perform'd, an innumerable multi­tude, is said to be that day Converted to our Lord: The little Box of Sa­cred Relicks, it is reported, after St. Germans death, came to the Hands of the Empress (Galla Placidia) as Heir only of his Benediction.

The malicious Enemy of mankind, busie to entrap the Holy Bishop St. German in some mischief, found out the means by a casual Fall, to put his Foot out of Joynt: Now while by reason of this Infirmity he was constrain'd to abide in a certain Lodging, a Fire happen'd to break out in some Houses not far from it, which being cover'd with Thatch, were quickly devour'd, and the Fire driven forward by Wind, soon approach'd to his Lodging, whereupon a great concourse of People came to the Venerable Bishop in a great fright, intending to take him in their Arms, and carry him out of danger; but he reprehended them, and refus'd to remove, having a firm Faith that no evil should happen to him: The multitude then despairing of his Safety, endeavour to stop the Progress of the flames: Howbeit Al­mighty God to exalt his own Power, and his Servants Faith, so order'd that whatever the People endeavour'd to preserve was consum'd, only the place where the sick Saint lay was preserv'd, for the flames, as if afraid to touch him, flew quite over his lodging; though on each side of it, they rag'd with violence, but left it untouch'd: The multitude seeing this re­joyc'd, and were well pleas'd that their Labours and Endeavours had been over-master'd by Divine Power.

Whilst this Holy man lay there, he was watch'd and attended by a numberless multitude, some seeking Health for their Souls, some for there [Page 84]Bodies: The wonderful Miracles which our Lord wrought by his Servant, were so many, they can scarce be re-counted; he being infirm himself, gave Health and Strength to others, neither would he suffer any remedy to be apply'd to his Infirmity; but on a certain night, he saw a person standing before him in White Garments, who stretching forth his Hand, seem'd to raise him up from his Couch, commanding him to stand firmly; after which his pain pass'd away, and his strength was so restor'd, that the day following he confidently undertook to pursue his journey.

At this time the Picts and Saxons with joynt Forces made War upon the Britains, who were therefore drawn together in a Body; but being distrustful of their Ability to resist such Powerful Enemies, they humbly implore the assistance of these Godly Bishops, which they chearfully pro­mis'd, and hastening into the British Army, so encreas'd the Courage and Resolution of the Britains, as if a new Army had been joyn'd unto them; so as our Lord himself by the Ministery of these his Captains, seem'd to be General of the Army: It was now the Holy time of Lent, which the pre­sence of these Holy Bishops caus'd to be observ'd with the greater Devo­tion, and their daily Preaching invited many to partake of the Sacrament of Baptism. A Church was thereupon prepar'd against the Solemnity of Easter; and though the place was no other then open Fields, yet it was ordered, as if it had been in a City: The Army went in Procession, moisten'd with the waters of Baptism, and being inslam'd with the fervour of Holy Faith, they contemn'd the Guard of outward Weapons, and ex­pected a more sure Protection from Heaven.

This Posture of the British Army came to the Enemies knowledge, who not doubting of Victory against Unarm'd People, with great chearfulness hast'ned to set upon them: The Britains had notice of their march, and as soon as the Solemn Feast of our Lords Resurrection was past, the greater part of the Army being newly Baptiz'd, betook themselves to theirs Arms, and prepar'd for Battle: St. German being their General, he made choice of a Band of Light Arm'd men, and takes a view of the Country round about, observing also a Valley compass'd with Mountains directly in the Enemies way, he leads part of the Army into that Valley. The fierce Enemies approaching, and being discover'd by those who lay in Ambush; St. German their Leader gave order to all his Soldiers, That with loud cla­mour they should repeat the words by him pronounc'd; And immediately while the Enemies thought to fall on, presuming they had not been discover'd; the Holy Bishop three times cry'd out aloud Allelujah, whereupon the rest of the Army with one voice Thundred out likewise Allelujah, the noise whereof was Terrible, multiply'd and increas'd by the Eccho from the Mountains round about.

The sound alone of this Sacred Word, suffic'd to terrify the Enemies Army, which fell a trembling, as if not the Rocks only, but Heaven it self had fallen on their Heads, insomuch as they all betook themselves to a general flight in all haste, casting away their Weapons, and glad to escape with their Naked Bodies: Great numbers of them in their Head-long flight were swallow'd up by a River, through which a little before they had march'd with confidence and leasure enough: The main body of the British Army without striking one stroak, was a chearful Spectator of the Vengeance of Almighty God, to whom only they gave the Glory of the Victory.

The Holy Bishops indeed Triumph'd, to see the Enemies defeated with­out Blood-shed; they Triumph'd for a Victory obtain'd, not by Arms, but Faith only: And having thus every way settled this Rich Island in Security, both from the Pelagians and Saxons, they prepar'd them­selves for their return, to the great Grief of the whole Nation. The place of this unbloody Battle, is said to be a Town call'd Mold in Flint­shire, where is a Field call'd from St. German, in the British Tongue Maesgarmon; there is also the little River Alen which runs hard by, where­in probably the Picts and Saxons were drown'd; besides, the place being near the Sea, it lay fit to set on board the Saxon Armies; St. Gregory the great in expounding the words of Job, makes mention of this Allelujah resounded thus by the Britains.

The Blessings conferr'd on this Island, were in some degree recompens'd by their safe and prosperous return, which they are said to have ascrib'd to the Intercession of our Tutelar Saint and Protomartyr Alban: Their ab­sence from home and residence here in Britain, was little more than the space of a year, in which time many wonderful things were wrought by them; during the time that St. Germanus remain'd in Britain.

St. Patrick then 68 years of Age, inseparably adher'd to him, having learn'd from him many instructions in Christian Doctrine and Discipline, and receiv'd many examples of Virtue and Piety for imitation: By him likewise he was encourag'd to undertake the Conversion of the Irish Nation, but with all admonish'd, To expect a Commission from the See of Rome to execute that Apostolick Office. For which purpose he accompanied St. Ger­manus to Gaul, from whence the next year he went to Rome, being de­sirous to have his Journey into Ireland confirm'd by Authority from Pope Caelestinus.

St. Patrick took with him a Priest nam'd Sergetius, a Devout Servant of our Lord, as a Companion in his Travels; when he came to Rome, he committed himself to the Praebends of the Roman Church, to be the more perfectly instructed in their Institutes: He repair'd also to the Holy Pope Caelestinus, and humbly casting himself at his feet, besought him, To em­ploy his care for the Conversion of the Pagan Irish Nation; The Petition was very acceptable to the Pope, who chang'd this Holy mans Name, from Magonius to Patricius, as Prophecying, That he should be the Father of many Souls: His Name thus chang'd, he was promoted to Episcopal Dignity, and then directed to his Voyage into Ireland: St. Patrick him­self in one of his Epistles, transcrib'd out of a Copy in the Abby of Glaston­bury, which Epistle is mention'd here before, makes all this clear: Toge­ther with the Episcopal degree, the Pope bestow'd on St. Patrick 12 years Indulgence.

He was accompanied in his Legation with 20 Eminent Persons for his assistance, one of which was Sergetius before mention'd: He diverted in his return to his Instructor St. Germanus, from whose Liberality he re­ceiv'd Chalices, Priestly Vestments and store of Books, with many other things proper for his Ministery. Long before St. Patrick came into Ire­land, by the Magicians and Pagan Prophets there, intimation was given of his coming; their Prophcy was to this effect, That a man would come thither with his Wood, whose Table should be placed in the Eastern side of his House, and some persons standing behind, together with others from the Table, will Sing, and the Congregation will Answer them, saying, AMEN. When [Page 86]this man comes, he will destroy our Gods, subvert our Temples, destroy Princes which resist him, and his Doctrine shall remain and prevail here for ever. With such words these blind Prophets incens'd both the Prince and People against St. Patricius.

They compos'd a certain Rhyme, importing, That a Head of Art and Skill, with his Crooked Staff would come, from that hour every House shall be bor'd through the Top: He will chant an abomination from his Table at the fore­part of the House; and his whole Family will answer, So be it, So be it. The meaning of this dark Rhyme is, That the Master of Wisdom would come with the Sign of the Cross, by which the hearts of all men would feel Com­punction, and from the Altar of the Holy Mysteries he would Convert Souls unto Christ, so as all Christian People should Answer, Amen. And then our Pagan Kingdom shall fall; as in truth it afterwards did: This piece of Wood is by most taken for the Cross, others affirm it to signifie, A certain wonderful Staff which St. Patrick before his Journey receiv'd from a Holy Her­mit, and was call'd the Staff of Jesus. The Author of St. Patrick's Life, relates the Story of the Staff to this effect.

That St. Patrick by Divine Revelation pass'd over to a certain Solitary Her­mit, living in an Island of the Tyrrhen Sea, whose Name was Justus, a man of a Holy Life and great Fame; this man of God gave to St. Patrick the fore­mention'd Staff, affirming seriously, That he had receiv'd it immediately from the Hand of our Lord Jesus Christ, who had appear'd to him. There were other men in the same Island at some aistance, who also led Solitary Lives: Some of these St. Patrick observ'd to be very Fresh and Youthfull, others very Decrepid and Old, were the Children of them who appear'd so Youthful; at which the Saint being astonish'd, and enquiring the occasion of so great a Mi­racle, was thus Answer'd, We from our Childhood, by Divine Grace, have been much addicted to Works of Mercy, our doors stood ever open to Travellers, demanding Meat or Lodging: On a certain night it happen'd, that a Stranger with a Staff in his Hand was Entertain'd by us, and us'd with all the Courtesie we could; the morning he gave us his Benediction, telling us he was Jesus Christ, and saying to us, You have oft hitherto mini­stred unto my Members, and this night Entertain'd me in my own Person; this said, He gave the Staff in his Hand to a man of God, our Father both Spiritually and Carnally, commanding him to keep it, Till in succeeding times a stranger Nam'd Patrick should come to visit him, and then to give it to that Stranger; and having said this, he ascended up into Heaven. From that day, those Hermits told St. Patrick, They had remain'd in the same state of Youthful Comliness and Vigour; whereas their Children, who were then little Infants, were, as he saw, become decrepid Old men. This Story of St. Patrick and his Staff, is reported by Jocelinus Author of his Life. Now what Credit soever this Story may find in the minds of the Readers, certain it is, that a Staff believ'd to have belong'd to St. Patrick, and nam'd the Staff of Jesus, was for many Ages in great Veneration among the Irish. And St. Bernard in the Life of St. Malachias an Irish Bishop, mentions and describes this Staff, and the great esteem it had in that Nation; and if we will believe Giraldus Cambrensis, It was the Vulgar Opinion, that with this Staff, St. Patrick cast out of the Island all Venomous Beasts.

He seems to have enter'd into Ireland in the year 432. as Bishop Ʋsher computes. The Inhabitants of the Country having advice of his Landing, flock'd to him from all Parts, especially the common People came joyfully [Page 87]to him, as if he had been of their own Nation: He had indeed many Qua­lities which invited their good Will towards him: He was of a Comely Personage, very Civil in Conversation, and though extreamly Grave, yet without Morosity: Besides this, he spoke Irish perfectly, and from his Youth had inform'd himself of their Natural Dispositions, so as he pre­sently became one of them: But God was the principal cause of conciliat­ing their Affections to him, and by his special Grace great multitudes in a short time yielded their Assent and Obedience to his Christian Doctrine.

For St. Patrick like a good Shepherd, carefully watch'd over his new flock, informing them daily in all Duties of Piety, convincing the Pagans of their Errors, and confounding the Magicians which oppos'd him. The Conversion of one Irish-man is specially taken notice of, whose Name was Dicon, whom St. Patrick gain'd, as he was passing through his Land, to submit to the Doctrine of our Lord; and of a Wolf in a wonderful man­ner chang'd him into a Lamb; For Dicon coming suddainly with Weapons, intended to have kill'd St. Patrick and his Companions; but as soon as he saw his face, he was prick'd in his Heart; our Lord immediately turning his Thoughts, so as he meekly led him to his House, where the Holy Bishop re­sided sometime, Preaching to him the Faith of Christ so effectually, that he be­came the first of all the Island, who believ'd with all his Family.

Nevertheless another Antient Author cited by Bishop Ʋsher, mentions the Conversion of one Sinel, as the first of all, his words are, St. Patrick sent by Pope Caelestinus landed at the mouth of the River Dee, but an impious Count call'd Nathi, who formerly had resisted St. Palladius, contradicted St. Patrick and his Doctrine: However Sinel the Son of Finchado, by the Preaching of St. Patrick, believ'd in Almighty God: and was the first among the Irish Scots who was Baptiz'd by the Holy Bishop, upon whom and his Seed St. Patrick bestow'd his Benediction. By which it appears that St. Patrick first landed in the Province of Leinster, and from thence went to Ʋlster, where, having Converted Dicon, he obtain'd a Field call'd Sabbul, two Miles distant from the City of Doun. His particular Journeys, Laborious Preaching, Pious Actions, and Admirable Miracles, are Copiously related by the Ecclesiastical Writers of Ireland. It is said that Carantacus or Cer­nac, thirty years before the Birth of St. David, began to Preach the Gospel in Ireland: He was a Britain born, Son of Keredec, Prince of the Province of Cardigan; (Cereticae Regionis) Amongst many other Children Keredic had this Carantac, a Child of good Disposition, beginning early to do those things, which he thought pleasing to God.

In those days the Scots grievously vex'd Britain, so that his Father un­able to sustain the weight and troubles of Government, would have re­sign'd the Province to Carantac; but he loving the Caelestial King, more than an Earthly Kingdom, fled away; and having bought a Wallet and Staff of a poor man, by Gods Conduct was brought to a Pleasant place, where he reposing himself built an Oratory, and spent his time in the Praises of God: At last he pass'd over into Ireland, invited by his Affection to St. Patrick; when he came thither it was agreed between them, that one of them should travel Preaching the Gospel toward the Right Hand, and the other towards the Left: In their company many Ecclesiastical persons attended them, and they all agreed to meet once a year at an ap­pointed place: Where ever this Holy man Carantac went, an Angel of our Lord in the likeness of a Dove accompanied him, and chang'd his [Page 88]Name into Cernach, being an Irish Appellation; All along his Voyage he wrought great Miracles, for the Confirmation of the Faith he Preach'd, Healing many thousand of their Diseases. The grace at first given to the Apostles, is said to have been plentifully bestow'd on him; He was coun­ted an admirable Soldier and Champion of Christ, a Spiritual and Devout Abbot, refusing to Preach Saving Truth unto none: He spent many years in that Island, where he brought an incredible number to wash away their sins by Pennance, by day and night offering innumerable Prayers to God; and having Converted many People to our Lord, who wrought many Miracles by him; He at last return'd to his Native Country, where he retir'd to his former Cave, accompanied with many Disciples: There having built a Church, he determin'd to abide; but not long after being admonish'd by a Voice from Heaven, he return'd into Ireland; where, in a good Old Age, and full of good Works, he rested in Peace, and was buried in his own City, from him call'd Cherach.

I shall here add the Gests of another British Saint, and Companion of St. Patrick into Ireland, call'd Luman, Son of Gollitus a Brittain, and Ne­phew to St. Patrick by his Sister Tigridia: He was the Founder of the Church of Trim in Ireland; the occasion and manner whereof is thus re­lated by Bishop Ʋsher. St. Luman came to the Ford of Truim, which runs before the Castle of Fiedilmed Son of Loiguor: And early in the morning Froitchern Son of Fiedilmed, found him Preaching the Gospel of Christ, who wondering at the Doctrine taught by him, presently believ'd, and was Baptiz'd in Christ by Luman, at a Fountain arising in the same place, and stay'd with him until his Mother who sought after him came to the same place: She was over-joy'd at the sight of the Holy man, because she also came out of Britain, and being instructed by him likewise believ'd; and returning Home, told her Husband what had hapned to her self and her Son: Fiedelmed was much joy'd at the arrival of Luman, because his Mother call'd Schotnoesa, had been the Daughter of a British Prince. Fiedilmed therefore went to him, and Saluted him in the British Language, questioning him in particular touching his Descent and Doctrine, who answer'd, That his Name was Luman a Brittain, a Chri­stian, and Disciple of the Holy Bishop S. Patrick, sent, as he said, by God to Convert the Inhabitants of that Country to the Faith of Christ, and Baptize them; Fiedilmed immediately believ'd with his whole Family, and offer'd him and St. Patrick his whole Territory with his Son. Fiedilmed remov'd his Habi­tation beyond the River Boindeo, but Luman with Froitchern, stay'd at the Ford of Truim, 'till St. Patrick came thither, where they joyntly erected a Church, about 12 years, before the Church of Armagh (Attimachae) was founded; the beginning of which Arch-Episcopal Church, the Annals of Ulster ascribe to the year of Grace 444.

We may now not unfitly treat of St. Benignus, as his Story may be found in the Antiquities of Glastonbury, The Venerable Bishop St. Patrick Preaching the Gospel through the Provinces of Ireland, came to a plain call'd Brey or Breg very Spacious and Beautiful, with which being delighted, he deter­min'd there to Celebrate the Feast of Easter, then at hand: His first Acquain­tance and Familiarity in that Province, was with a man whom he had newly Converted to the Faith, with him St. Patrick Lodg'd: This man had a Young Child call'd Beonna, who bore a tender Affection to the Saint, he would often play with him, and Kiss his Foot; the Child would not sleep, but when he lay with the Holy Bishop: He therefore Prophetically perceiving the great Grace, which the Divine Bounty would confer upon the Child, vouchsafed to take him [Page 89]to his Bed, and gave him the Name of Benignus. When the Holy Bishop was ready to proceed in his Journey, the Child with Pittiful cries, beg'd to go along with him, so as the Bishop was forc'd to receive him into his Waggon, and Prophecy'd, that he should be his Successor in the Bishoprick, which ac­cordingly came to pass. This was the first Solemnity of Easter which the Holy Bishop Celebrated in Ireland, and he did it by imitating the Son of God, who at his last Supper with his Disciples, Consecrated his Body and Blood for the Redemption of Mankind: The day before this great Feast of our Lords Resurrection, St. Patrick, according to an Ecclesiastical Rite, as Probus observes then in use, Kindled the Holy fire, the Flame whereof shone brightly about the place. According to the custom of that Country, it was, it seems, Ʋnlawful for any to Light a Fire, before it was kindled in the Kings Palace: The King whose Name was Logorius, perceiving the brightness of the Flame, in great indignation threatn'd Death to him who had infring'd that custom in his Kingdom: His Magicians about him, to incense him further, told the King, That the Fire which had so been kindled against Law, unless presently extinguish'd, would never cease to the Worlds end, but obscure all the Fires which they kindled according to their custom; and that the man who lighted it, would be the destruction of his Kingdom.

While St. Patrick with great success thus labour'd in the Gospel, Britain was Illustrated with the Memory of another great St. Winwaloc, the Son of a Noble Person, call'd Fracan, Cousin-German of a British Prince Nam'd Coton. This St. Winwaloc is said to have been from his Childhood inflam'd with an earnest desire of Heavenly things, to despise Worldly Allure­ments, and to live to God only; wherefore he besought his Parents, that he might be commended to the care of a certain Religious man, to be by him imbew'd in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and Documents of Piety, his request being obtain'd, he made wonderful progress in Virtue and Holiness under that Religious mans Discipline; insomuch, that when he was but seven years Old, he became an example of all Piety and Good­ness: In process of time having undertaken a Monastical Profession, Di­vine Graces shone more brightly in him, so as he became withall enrich'd with the Gift of Prophecy. Many Miracles God wrought by him, in per­formance whereof; having a firm Faith, he made use only of the Sign of the Cross, and Oyl which had been Blessed: Among which Miracles, the most stupendious was, His raising a Young man to Life.

At this time the Glory of the most Holy Prelate St. Patrick was famous in Gods Church, who like a bright Star Illustrated all Ireland; and the re­port of his admirable Virtues, kindled in St. Winwaloc so great an affecti­on towards him, that he endeavour'd to pass over to him, and be subject to his direction in Piety. Behold, while the Holy mans thoughts were busied about this design; St. Patrick in a Vision presented himself to him, with an Angelical Brightness, and a Golden Diadem on his Head, telling him, He was the same Patrick whom he so earnestly desir'd to Visit: But (saith he) to prevent a dangerous Journey by Sea and Land, our Lord hath sent me to thee, to fulfil thy desire, so as thou mayst enjoy both my Sight and Conver­sation: He further told St. Winwaloc, That he should be a Guide and Di­rector of many in Spiritual Warfare: for which end he gave him many whole­some Instructions: Exhorting him to desire from his Master some Companions, and with them to remove to another place. No sooner was this Vision va­nish'd, but St. Winwaloc went to the Cell wherein the Father of the Mo­nastery [Page 90]was, attending on Divine Meditation, to whom St. Winwaloc de­clar'd the Vision; whereupon the Father told him with a joyful Counte­nance, That he had been Honour'd with a Divine Visitation and Revelation, and forthwith he assign'd the Saint eleven Disciples, such as were most fer­vent in Gods Service: With these he pass'd over into a certain Island, and for the space of three years, there led an Hermetical Life; but the place be­ing expos'd to Violent Tempests, and incommodious for its Barrenness, St. Winwaloc Pray'd God to direct him to a more Convenient Habitation, God heard his Prayers, and shew'd him a place near the Sea, but there being no Ship ready, the Saint is said to have renew'd his Prayers; which done, He bad his Companions be Couragious and firm in Faith, saying to them, As you see me lead this Brother by the Hand, so do every one of you take his next Fellows Hand and follow one another: Then invoking the Name of our Lord, with his Pastoral Staff he struck the Sea, upon which it pleas'd God to repeat the Miracle of the Red-Sea, For the Sea open'd a Passage for them; so that taking one another by the Hand, and himself marching in the Front, they all walk'd securely over the dry Sands, the Waters on both sides stand­ing like Walls; and as they pass'd thus, they sang to our Lord a Hymn of Praise and Joyfulness.

It is said this Saint from the 20th. year of his Age to his Death, was never seen to sit in the Church; never exceeded Moderation in any thing, never was dejected with Sadness, nor dissolv'd in Mirth; never Angry or Tur­bulent, but Kind and Affable to all: He repeated the Psalms every day; sometimes standing with his Arms stretch'd out in figure of a Cross, and sometimes falling on his Knees: From the time that he began to build his Habitation, he never us'd any Woollen or Linnen Garment, but what was made of Goat Skins only: In his Bed he neither had Feathers or Cloaths; instead of Feathers, he strew'd under him Nut-shells; and in­stead of Blankets, he cover'd himself with Sand mingled with Pebbles; two great Stones were his Pillows; day and night he wore the same Gar­ments: Wheaten Bread he never Eat; a small proportion of Barley Bread contented him, wherewith was mingled an equal measure of Ashes: He took his Refection once only in two, sometimes in three days; his other Diet was a mixture of Meal and Cabbage without any Fat; upon Satur­days and Sundays, he would add a little Cheese Sodd in water; and at Easter a few small Fishes: It was his usual custom dayly to visit a Church about a Mile distant from his Monasteries, attended by a Deacon nam'd Egbin, and there to offer Sacrifices to God for the Living and Dead: Such was his diligence and Devotion at the Holy Altar, that he is said to have there merited the reward of everlasting Happiness.

One day an Angel is said to have appear'd unto him, saying, Reve­rend Father, the Heavenly Citizens desire thee for their Companion, and soon shalt thou be deliver'd from thy painful Exercises. After this he presently call'd his Brethren together, and bad them prepare, For (saith he) as soon as I have Sung Mass, and Communicated the Body and Blood of our Lord, at the sixth hour of the day, our Lord will receive me out of this Mortal Body: And so having Celebrated Mass, as he stood at the Altar between two Monks which sustain'd him on each side, and was Singing with his Bre­thren, he render'd his Soul to God, as untouch'd by Corporal Sickness, as it was free from any Carnal stains. Some say his Body was translated from his Monastery at Tauriacum, and laid in the Blandin Monastery at [Page 91] Gaunt: Others contend that his Sacred Relicks repose at Monstrueil, where they likewise shew his Chasuble, Alb, and Stole; and there is a Church Dedicated to his memory, in French call'd St. Waley: Now though St. Winwaloc died out of Britain, yet there are not there wanting Monuments of his Memory and Sanctity; a Town there is in Shropshire call'd after his Name, Wenlock, and so was nam'd in the Saxons time, where the Holy Virgin Milburga founded a Monastery for Religious Virgins, as may here­after be declar'd.

The foremention'd Deacon Egbin or Ethbin, is also renown'd for his Sanctity, he over-liv'd his Master, and went over into Ireland, where, in a Wood call'd Neeten he built a Monastery in which he liv'd and dy'd: He was as is above-noted, chosen by St. Winwalock to attend him daily to the little Church before-mention'd. Going one day thither together, one met them vail'd in the Figure of a miserable Leaper, with a lamentable voice beg­ing their assistance; Ethbin with great Compassion and Charity Embrac'd and Kiss'd the Leaper, the same also at his monition did St. Winwaloc: Our Lord accepted their Office of Charity with great Kindness, for he delights to be cherish'd in his poor Members; therefore he was pleas'd to give each of them a present reward of their unfain'd Charity; for flying from their Embraces, our Lord immediately in a Cloud with great Glory, and with Gracious words assur'd them, that their Names were already written in the Book of Life, and that with his Saints they should be partakers of his Kingdom. This most Happy assurance Ethbin ascrib'd to the Merits of St. Winwaloc, esteeming vilely of himself; and on the other side St. Winwaloc, mov'd with the same Hu­mility and Charity, cast the Merit on Ethbin.

This year 432. is remarkable for the Happy Death of St. Ninianus be­fore-mention'd: This Holy man wonderful for Miracles, and Illustrious for many Virtues, at last approach'd to the Happy day, in which God Graciously call'd him out of this Mortal Life: So as being perfect in Grace and Piety, and mature in Age, he Happily mounted to Heaven; his Body was buried in the Church Dedicated to St. Martin, built by himself from the Foundation: The Centuriatours add this to his Story, That he was a Venedocian, Teacher of Christian Verities, of a desert more than ordinary; To his Old Age he largely communicated the Talent, wherewith God had en­trusted him, among the Britains, Scots and Southern Picts. He was a man Assiduous in Reading the Holy Scripture, Merciful to Orphans, Widdows and the Poor; Illustrious in Miracles and Sanctity: By his Pious Industry the Na­tion of the Picts, first of all relinquishing their Idolatry, embrac'd the true Faith of Christ: He was the first Bishop of Candida Casa, and dy'd among the Picts in the Province of Galloway.

I may further observe, that he was very Devout in giving Respect and Ve­neration to Gods Saints, in whose Honour he built Churches, and in parti­cular to the Honour of S. Martin, who dy'd about 30 years before him: The example of St. Ninian, was imitated by the British Church near the same Age; for when St. Augustine the Monk came into Britain to Convert the Saxons, He found (saith St. Bede) in the City of Canterbury a Church Dedica­ted to the Honour of St. Martin, which had been built in the times of the Ro­mans. St. Ninian before he dy'd, divided the Provinces of the Picts into Parishes, he Ordain'd Priests there, and Consecrated Bishops, by the Au­thority of the Roman Bishop, from whom he receiv'd his Mission.

He being famous for Miracles, it may not be amiss to reckon up one. In the Region of the Picts, there was a Prince named Tudwal, a man of a proud and high Spirit; he contemning the Admonitions of this man of God, and derogating from his Doctrine and Life, resisted him openly: Being one day more then ordinarily troublesome and rude; God the supreme Judge, would not any longer suffer the injuries offer'd to his Holy Servant, to pass unreveng'd, but struck this proud man with an intollerable pain in his Head, by the violence whereof those lofty Eyes of his became utterly Blind; so that he who had be­fore impugn'd the Light of Divine Truth, deservedly lost this Worlds Light. But upon better consideration he sent a Message to the Holy Bishop, humbly be­seeching him, in imitation of our Lords Benignity, to return to him good for evil, and love for hatred: The Venerable Bishop hereupon, first sharply reprov'd the Prince, and then touching him, imprinted on his Eyes the Sign of the Cross; when immediately his pains ceas'd, and his Blindness was dissipated. Afterwards this Prince highly Honour'd the Holy Bishop, and readily granted whatsoever he ask'd of him.

Our Country-man Alcuinus, in an Epistle not Printed, but now extant in Bishop Ʋshers Antiquities; Testifies the great Fame which this Holy Bishop had, for Sanctity and Miracles. This Epistle is directed to the Re­ligious Priest, then living at Candida Casa. While Alcuinus liv'd, this following Miracle happ'ned to a Devout Priest Celebrating Mass at this Saints Monument, nam'd Plegils, he frequently Solemniz'd Mass at the Body of St. Ninian; and living a Holy and Virtuous Life, began frequent­ly to beseech our Lord, That he would please to shew visibly to him, the Na­ture and Verity of the Body and Blood of Christ, in the most Blessed Sacra­ment: This Prayer he made, not for want of Faith, in the Truth of the Mystery, but out of an Affection of Devotion and Piety: For the Author saith, That to his great Consolation, our Lord appear'd to him in the Sacra­ment in the form of a young Child.

Three years after the death of St. Ninianus, St. Germanus was once more invited into Britain, to perfect the good Work which he had formerly be­gan, in rooting out of the Pelagian Heresie, there spreading it self again, the Relation whereof we must borrow from the Learn'd Priest Constantius, a Writer of those times, and of most perfect Integrity and Sincerity. By a Message from Britain address'd to St. German, he was advertis'd that that Pestilent Heresie began to enlarge it self there, and intreated him once more to come over, and maintain the Cause of Divine Grace: The Holy Bishop readily comply'd with this Petition, being delighted to spend his strength in the Service of Christ: There was joyn'd to him for his Com­panion Severus Bishop of Triers, a person of Consummate Sanctity: In the mean time three Infernal Spirits flying through the whole Island, fore­told the return of St. Germanus, being forc'd so to do against their Will: Insomuch as one Elaphius, a Principal person of the Country, without any other notice hast'ned to meet the Holy Bishops: His Son went with him, upon whom, from the flower of his Youth, a lamentable Infirmity had seiz'd, for all his Members were wither'd, and the Hamm of his Leg was so drawn together, that by reason of the dryness of his Thigh he could not set his Foot upon the ground; Elaphius was attended by almost the whole Province: As soon as they were met together, an Episcopal Bene­diction was conferr'd on the People, and the Words of Truth Preach'd to them. St. Germanus perceiv'd that the generality of the People persever'd [Page 93]constant in the Doctrine which he left among them, and that the fault lay upon a few buisie persons, who were presently condemn'd. As for Elaphius, he humbly kneeling kiss'd the Bishops Hands, presenting to him his Lame Son, so miserable a Spectacle, that he mov'd compassion in all, especially in the Holy Bishops mind; St. German therefore presently commanded the young man to sit down, then handled his contracted Ham, and with his right Hand stroak'd all the infirm Members; immediately perfect Health and Strength attended that wholesome Touch; the wither'd Members reco­ver'd their natural Moisture, and his Sinews their Office and Agility. Thus in the sight of all, the young man was restor'd to his Father, as if he had been new made; the People are astonish'd at this Miracle, and the Catho­lick Faith is perfectly confirm'd in their minds.

The Holy Bishop spent his time in Preaching up and down, and the Hearers were every where Converted or Confirm'd: So that by a Universal Consent, the Authors of the Perverse Doctrine, were brought before the Holy Bishops, and then banish'd out of the Island, and the Orthodox Faith remain'd uncorrupted; and all things being thus well compos'd, the Holy Bishops return'd with a Prosperous Voyage.

Howbeit, during his stay here, St. German is recorded to have call'd a Synod, and taking notice that many Churches wanted Pastors, by which means the People became wavering in their Faith; by common advice he selected Learn'd and Pious men, whom he ordain'd Bishops, and placed in several Churches: In particular, over all the Britains; toward the Southern parts, he promoted the Blessed man Dubricius an Eminent Doctor, to be Arch-bishop, who was made choice of by King Mouricus and the whole Diocess: They constituted his Arch-Episcopal See at Landaff with the Kings Consent, where a Church was Built, and Dedicated to the Honour of the prime Apostle St. Peter. That an Arch-Episcopal See was here thus planted, may be some mistake; for when that See was transplanted to Caerleon, an Arch-Episcopal See indeed was Establish'd there; so that it may rather seem that only an Episcopal See was Erected at Landaff by Mouricus, who is said to be Son of Theodoric Prince of Morgannia, or Gla­morganshire; which Prince, as Bishop Godwin relates, Resign'd his Prin­cipality, and embrac'd a Monastical or Hermitical Life: But after, when the Saxons invaded the Land, he was drawn out of his Cell, to be Leader of an Army, and Courageously rushing among the Enemies, receiv'd a Mortal Wound, for which Merit he was Enroll'd in the number of Martyrs.

St. German's next care, after Ordaining Bishops, was to Visit the Schools, the Sources of Learning; and he is said to have Studied, or rather Taught for sometime in Oxford, and Establish'd good Orders there, concerning which we may find an Illustrious Testimony of our Learned Country-man Asserius, who liv'd about 800. years since, and treating of the Controversy between the Students of Oxford and Grimbaldus, whom King Alfred had call'd out of France to govern that University, affirms, That the Scholars prov'd by unquestionable Testimonies of Antient Annals, that the Orders and Institutes of that place, which Grimbaldus sought to change, had been Estab­lished by Pious and Learned men, As Gildas, Melkin, Nemri, Kentigern and others, who all grew Old in their Studies there, and Administred all things in Peace and Concord, affirm, They further shew'd, that St. Germa­nus came to Oxford, and abode there half a year, approving wonderfully their Orders and Institutions: Whether this be not a later Addition to Asserius, is suspected by some.

It will not be amiss a little to enquire, what Doctrines were taught by St. Germanus to whom this Country of ours, was so much beholding: For by this enquiry it may appear whether St. Augustine the Monk sent by St. Gregory the Great in the following Age to Convert the Saxons, taught them a Religion differing from that which St. German profess'd; we need go no further in this enquiry then to Mr. Selden, well known to be Learn'd in Antiquity: The sixth Chapter of this Treatise, call'd, Analecta Anglo-Britanica, touching the Practises of Ecclesiastical Discipline wherewith Germanus and Lupus Bishops, imbew'd the Britains, may easily satisfie us in this particular; where he tells us, That Germanus Bishop of Auxerre, and Lupus Bishop of Troyes in Gaul came into Britain to restore Christian Reli­gion deprav'd by the Heresie of Pelagius and Errours of Pagans: The Doctrines (saith he) taught by them, as the Fame is, which also Giraldus Cambrensis testifies, were as followeth.

First, Of every Loaf of Bread set before them, one Corner they gave to the Poor.

Secondly, They sat three together at Dinner in memory of the Trinity.

Thirdly, If any met a Religious Monk or Clergy-man in the way, or any one in a Religious Habit, he would presently lay aside his Weapons, and with a low inclination of his Head, demand his Benediction.

Fourthly, Generally all the People earnestly demanded Episcopal Confirma­tion, and Inunction with Holy Chrism, by which the Holy Ghost is confer'd.

Fifthly, They somtime bestow'd the Tythe of all their Substance, Cattle and Sheep, either when they Marry'd, or undertooke some long Pilgrimage, or by the Churches Order submitted to some extraordinary Pennance for their Sins: This they call the great Tythes, and two parts thereof they bestow'd on the Church where they were Baptiz'd; the third they gave to the Bishop of the Diocess.

Sixthly, Beyond all other External Labours of Mortification, they were most Devoted to Pilgrimages undertaken to Rome, to Visit the Monuments of the Apostles.

Seventhly, Beyond any other Nation they express'd a Devout Reverence to Churches and Church-men, to Relicks of Saints, to Portable Bells, Sacred Books, and the Holy Cross; and this Devotion hath been rewarded with greater Peace, than any other Churches enjoy'd.

Eightly, Entire security was observ'd in regard of Beasts seeding not only in the Church-yards, but beyond them through all Grounds enclos'd with Ditches, which Bishops design for observation of Peace and Indempnity: And greater Churches, to which Antiquity always afforded greater Reverence, have power to grant and enjoyn the observation of such Peace and Security for Cattle, whilst in the Morning they go, and at Evening they Return from their Pastures.

This Peace is preserv'd so inviolable, that if any one should incur the Mortal Indignation of his Prince, and seek Refuge in a Church, he may enjoy the Fruit of this Peace, both for his Person and Goods: Though indeed from such large Immunities beyond the Antient Canons, (which in such cases allow safety of Life to a mans Body) occasion of great Abuses have been taken: Scarce any one of these Christian practices, but was allow'd by St. Augustine. Yet is St. Augustine by some in those days condemn'd, and St. German Absolv'd.

Our Ancestors indeed to testifie their high esteem of the Venerable Bishop St. German's Sanctity, approv'd by Miracles; after his Death built Chapels and Churches to his Honour; on one of which Cambden thus [Page 95]writes, In Cornwall, near the River Liver, there is a Village Nam'd from St. German, to which, during the Danish Tumults, the Episcopal See of that Province was transfer'd, out of fear, as to a place more remote and secure: There a Church had been Erected, and Consecrated to the Honour of St. Germa­nus, who Extirpated the Pellagian Heresie arising a new among the Britains. In Yorkshire likewise a famous Monastery was Consecrated to him: The River Owse Waters Selby a Town well Peopled; there King William the I. Founded a Church in memory of St. German, who is said, To have wounded to Death the many Headed Hydra of Pelagianism, often quell'd, and often reviving again: The Abbots of this Monastery, and of St. Maries at York, were the only Northern Abbots, which had Seats in Parliament.

The memory of St. German is also much Celebrated among the Silures in North-wales; for from him a part of Radnor-shire is call'd Guarthenian; for as Nennius relates, Vortimer the Son of Vortigern, to satisfy for injuries done by his Father to St. German, Dedicates that part of the Country to him, where he had been chiefly wrong'd, in memory whereof it took the name of Guar­theny; which in the British Language, signifies, A Calumny justly re­torted.

Hitherto since the Romans relinquish'd their care of Britain, the Pro­vinces of the Island had been govern'd by Petty-Princes, Independent one of another: But in the year 438. by reason of the frequent inroads of their Cruel Enemies the Picts and Scots, by common agreement of the Provin­ces, a general Captain of the whole Nation was chosen, after the manner of their Ancestors in the days of Julius Caesar, and the Kingdom establish'd in that Captains Line: The choice unhappily fell upon Vortigern, born for the destruction of his Country; He was a man void both of Courage and Councel, addicted wholly to Carnal Pleasures, the Slave of most Vices, especially of Avarice, Pride and Luxury: He sollicited, and with the hopes of making her a Queen, Deflowr'd his own Daughter, and of her got a Son, who by Miracle, notwithstanding his Incestuous Birth, through Divine Grace became a Saint, and was nam'd St. Sanctus. The Wife of Vortigern, was equal to him in Birth, but unlike in Disposition; by her he had three Sons, Vortimer, Catigern and Pascentius: While she liv'd he govern'd with Moderation; but after her Death he loos'd the Reins to all wickedness: For which being reprov'd by St. German, and in a Sy­nod Excommunicated, he Reveng'd himself, by inflicting the fore-men­tion'd Injuries and Calumnies upon the Holy Bishop: Before his Election to the Universal Government of Britain, he was Prince of the Danmonii, or as others write, Consul of the Gevissei Inhabitants of the South-Western parts about Cornwall or South-Wales; which Principality it seems he had govern'd well enough, to be preferr'd before his fellow Princes: Though indeed the men of that Age, which Gildas terms, Atramentum aetatis, afforded so little choice, that a Prince not Profligately Vicious, might de­serve some Reputation. However, this unworthy King is recorded a Re­storer of the City of Oxford.

To leave him a while, we may take notice, that among the Bene­factions confer'd by St. German on Britain, the Election and Consecration of St. Dubritius to the Bishoprick of Landaff was not the least: This Du­britius was by Nation a Britain, born in the Province of the Dunetae, or West-Wales; He was Sir-nam'd Gainius, from a River which runs by the place where he was born; His Mothers Name was Evedila, famous for [Page 96]her Virtues; and being a Child, had his mind imbew'd with good Lite­rature, so as in few years he made such proficiency in Learning, that not the Ignorant only, but such as had acquir'd a good degree in Knowledge, repair'd to him, to increase their Skill, among whom were St. Theliaus. St. Sampson and St. Aidanus: In the Soyl of his Nativity, near the River Vaga, he chose a fit Seat, for his own and his Disciples Studies, and there he spent many years in the Charitable Communication of his Learning to others. Afterwards having by the command of an Angel built a Church there, he Preached, and Taught the people wholesom Christian Doctrine, and by imposing his Hands, he often Cur'd many Infirmities; and being thus qualified, he was advanc'd by St. German to the degree of a Bishop: He liv'd to a very Old Age for many years after this, he was Translated by Aurelius Ambrosius to the Archbishoprick of Caerleon in the Province of Monmouth, so as he will once more occur in our History; in the mean time we must not omit to say something of another Disciple of St. German, nam'd St. Briocus a Britain, afterwards a Bishop in Armorica, so famous that the See of his Bishoprick, Suffragan to Tours, is to this day from his Name called St. Brieu: He was descended of a Noble Stock, and brought by St. German out of Britain into Gaul, and by him there instructed in the Disci­pline of Piety: being enrich'd with such saving Doctrine, he return'd into his own Country, and there inform'd his Parents in the true Faith, which he likewise Preach'd with great success in the Country about. After (desirous to employ our Lords Talents more Copiously,) he came over into Armorica, where having shed the Beams of Evangelical Light, into the mind of his Kinsman Cenanus Count of Triguier, he afterwards cleans'd him in the Laver of Baptism; then assembling several devout persons, aspiring to the Perfection of a Religious Life, he built a Monastery, and there by the Liberality of the said Count, he laid the Foundation of an Episcopal See: And being Consecrated Bishop by the Arch-Bishop of Tours; He, with an admirable Splendour of Virtue and Piety, govern'd the said Diocess the space of 30 years: Not long after, being in a Journey, he breath'd forth his spotless Soul; his Body was carried back to the Church which himself had built; and there with great Honour Interr'd, and frequent Miracles are said to be wrought at his Relicks: Thus, as he gave his Name to the Monastery, Town and Mother-Church of that Diocess, so he also afforded continual Protection to them.

In the year of Grace 439. St. Patrick had spent 8 years in Ireland, and then return'd into Britain, having fix'd his Episcopal Chair at Armagh; after that, he is said to repair to the Apostolick See, to ratifie his Proceed­ings, as he was advis'd by an Angel of our Lord: After his return from thence, he retir'd to the Monastery of Glastonbury, and there ended his days, as St. Fugatius and Damianus before him had done. What were his special Exercises after such his Retirement, is recorded in History, viz. At­tendance upon Prayer, Fasting and Purity of Life, instituting Rules for a Mo­nastical Profession in Glastonbury, amongst such Religious men, as were there Successors of St. Joseph of Arimathaea: These St. Patrick reduced from an Eremetical to a Caenobitical course of Life, giving them Institutes which he had receiv'd from his Ʋncle St. Martin of Tours; who long since had cloathed him with the Monastical Habit, which was a White Cowle of the natural colour of the Wool, over his other Garments, by which Purity and Innocence were denoted. This fashion was instituted by the British and Irish Monks, [Page 97]before the coming of St. Augustine; who, to distinguish himself from them, assum'd a Black Cowle, so as his Successors were stil'd Black Monks.

In Glastonbury it was, where St. Patrick wrote his Famous Chart before­mention'd, wherein he particularly describes the Isle then call'd Ynswitrin, where was an Antient Chappel Consecrated to the Honour of the most Blessed Virgin; where he found 12 Hermits Successors of the Disciples of St. Phaganus and Diruvianus, in which Chart was contain'd, That they had receiv'd from Pope Eleutherius ten years Indulgence; and that by a Re­velation from our Lord, they had built a Church to the Honour of St. Michael the Arch-Angel: How likewise it was signified to St. Patrick, by a Vision, That he was to Honour the Blessed Arch-Angel in that place, for the certainty of which Vision, his Left-hand Wither'd, and was not restor'd, 'till he had ac­quainted his Brethren, with what he had seen. This Chart St. Patrick left with two Devout Irish Monks Arnulphus and Ogmar his Companions, who resolv'd to attend on that Chappel.

The Holy Bishop further relates, That he conferr'd an Indulgence of 100. days on those who by cutting down Wood clear'd a Passage for the Devout Visi­tants of the Chapel, Consecrated by our Lord himself to the Honour of his most Blessed Mother. At his return from Rome, St. Patrick brought with him some Relicks of the Holy Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul, and of St. Stephen the Blessed Deacon and Martyr, with a Linnen-Cloath, sprinkled with the Blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which Holy Relicks were reserv'd there behind the Altar of St. Patrick: These Relicks are said to have been brought from Jerusalem by Eudocia the Wife of Theodosius, and laid up in the Church of St. Lawrence the Martyr, and there Piously Venerated by Devout Christians. St. Patrick is reported after his return from Rome, to have Founded many Monasteries, which he fill'd with Religious men, who willingly fubmitted themselves to the form of a Religious Life, then prescrib'd unto them. He is said, To have fore-told many Ʋnfortunate, and many Prosperous things, which should bef all Britain; particularly the Sanctity of St. David, then inclosed in his Mothers Womb; By all which is confirm'd St. Patrick's long abode in Britain after he had Converted the Irish Nation.

Among the British Disciples of St. Patrick, the memory of St. Bachiarus, whom some affirm to be the same with Marcaeus or Morthaeus, is Celebrated. He addicted himself to the Study of good Literature at Caerleon; and be­came an Excellent Poet and Mathematician, in the Studies whereof in his younger years he entirely imploy'd himself; but afterwards he had the Cha­racter of a man excellently vers'd in Christian Philosophy; for the preserva­tion of his Integrity and Chastity, he is said, To have forsaken his Country, and undertaken a long Pilgrimage; The Britains instructed by Germanus, accounting Pilgrimages, especially to Rome, amongst the works of Piety: This Holy man might likewise absent himself from his Country, in regard the Enormous Vices then and there reigning, could not but afflict his Righteous Soul, and give him cause to fear the Miseries soon ensuing, and desire a Happy opportunity of imploring the Divine assistance, for the re­lief of his afflicted Country. Yet he wanted not Detractours, who charg'd him with Levity and Vanity, or worse; so as he was forc'd to declare by writing, That he undertook those Travels for the Love of God, his own Soul, and his Distressed Country. He directed this his Defence especially to St. Leo the first Pope of that Name, as the common Father of all Christians: There is also extant a Learn'd and Elegant Epistle of his written on this occasion.

He had heard that a certain Priest by the Devils suggestion had violated a Consecrated Virgin, for which he was cast out of the Church without hope of being restor'd: The Holy man was deeply afflicted both for the Enormity of the Crime, and Severity of the Punishment; whereupon he wrote the said Epistle, replenish'd as well with Divine Learning as Com­passionate Charity: This Epistle he gave to a Priest call'd Januarius; him he intreats and strongly Evinces for the Restitution of the Offender, shew­ing, That in the most fruitful Field of Gods Church, there grew Herbs Me­dicinal to every Wound: Then addressing his Speech to the Guilty Priest, He powerfully exhorts him to Pennance in an inclosed Monastery, there to ex­piate his Crime by Fasting and Prayer, and to beg the Intercession of the Saints on his behalf; and fearing least he should accumulate his sin by joyning Mar­riage to his Incest; he terrifies him, by shewing, The abominable Excess of Marrying one, who was Espoused and Consecrated to our Lord, when she took the Vail of her Religious Profession: By which, as in a Mirrour, the state of Ecclesiastical Discipline, in those times, and the inviolableness of Caele­bacy and Religious Vows, may be seen. He liv'd to a very Old Age, dying in the year 460. or as some say, long after that.

In these times the Vandals by their Incursions and numerous Armies grievously oppress'd the Roman Empire; and upon this opportunity the Scots and Picts broke their limits, and wasted the Provinces of Britain, which had been subject to the Romans, this happ'ned in the 8th. year of Vortigern's Reign. The next year they continu'd their Invasion with such extream vio­lence, that after much Blood-shed, the Britains sostn'd with Luxury, addrest their humble and Passionate Petition to the Romans; In these lamentable Expressions recorded by Gildas. To Aetius third time Consul: The Groans of the Britains; Our Barbarous Enemies drive us to the Sea, the Sea beats us back upon our Barbarous Enemies: Between these two, we are expos'd either to be Slain by the Sword, or Drown'd; to avoid both, we find no remedy. These Letters avail'd nothing, the Romans had enough to do to secure their own Empire, so as the Britains wanting Hearts and Arms, became daily a Prey to their Enemies. With this Calamity, saith St. Bede, another more terrible was joyn'd, The extremity of Famine, forcing many of them, to ren­der themselves Slaves to their Enemies for Bread; Only a few by these mise­ries being taught the Wisdom to seek Aid from Heaven, retir'd into accessible Mountains and Caves; from whence they look Courage, often-times with good success to set upon their Enemies, buisy in heaping Spoils, and drive them back into their own quarters: But no sooner were they freed from their Enemies, and that the Island began to abound with Provisions, but their Luxury also abounded, accompany'd with all sorts of Vice, especially hatred of Divine Truth, and Cruelty one towards another, &c.

The Patience of the all-good God being weary'd, by a People to be pre­vail'd with, neither in Prosperity nor Adversity, brought upon them Ene­mies far more Savage and Barbarous than either the Picts or Scots, or ra­ther so besotted the Reprobate Britains, that they themselves invited new Enemies from a remote Countrey, to Consume them, the Saxons, Angles and Jutes, Nations of Germany, Terrible for their undaunted Courage and Agility, formidable even to the Romans, because most suddain and Violent in their Enterprizes, esteem'd the most War-like Nations among the Germans for strength of Body, Courage of Mind, and Patience in suffering Corporal Labours and Incommodities. Before we [Page 99]relate these dismal Tragedies, some more special occurrences happening about the same time, and relating to Ecclesiastical Affairs, require first a dispatch.

St. Patrick, though for his particular Consolation, he had retir'd himself into the secure repose of a Monastery, was yet resolv'd, when any Emer­gent pressing necessity of Gods Church requir'd his Care and Presence, he would quit the Office of Mary sitting at our Lords Feet, and exchange it for that of Martha's Ministry, in attending, and providing supply to his ne­cessities in his Members: And indeed some Disorders in his new-Founded Irish Church broke forth, which after ten years quiet repose, drew him from his Solitude: What this Disturbance was, is not known particularly, yet may it perhaps be pick'd out of some one or more of those Canons or Decrees which in a Synod, at his return into Ireland by him Assembled, were constituted: These Decrees for many Ages lay conceal'd, and neg­ligently expos'd to Dust and Mothes, but have of late by the Industry of Sir Henry Spelman, rescued and restor'd to Light, though in several places defac'd: Some of them we shall here select, for the discovery of the Eccle­siastical Discipline practis'd in those times; It was there ordain'd, That if any Ecclesiastical person, from the Door-keeper to the Priest, shall not for De­cency wear a Tunick, and have his Hair cut after the Roman manner, or shall permit his Wife to go abroad Ʋnvail'd, he should be separated from the Com­munion. That a Monk and Consecrated Virgin, shall not abide in the same Lodging, nor Travel in the same Chariot: That if a Monk shall neglect the Divine Office, or wear long Hair, he shall be Excommunicate. That the Almes of Excommunicate Persons or Pagans, shall not be receiv'd. That if any Christian shall be guilty of Man-slaughter, Fornication, or consulting South­sayers, he shall perform Pennance for each Crime, the space of a year: And he that is guilty of Stealing, half a year, of which 20 days he shall eat Bread only, and be withall oblig'd to Restitution: That if any Christian shall believe Spi­rits may be presented in a Glass, he shall be Anathematiz'd, &c. That if any Consecrated Virginshall Marry, she shall be Excommunicated, 'till she be Con­verted, and forsake her Adulteries; which having done, she is to perform due Pennance, after which they are not to live in the same House or Town. That if any Priest shall build a Church, he must not offer Sacrifice in it, before it be Consecrated by the Bishop. That if a Clergy-man be Excommuni­cated, he must say his Prayers alone, and not in the same House with his Bre­thren; neither must he presume to Offer or Consecrate 'till he be Absolv'd: That a Bishop may not Ordain in another Bishops Diocess without his Consent, only upon Sundays he may offer Sacrifice. That a Clark coming from Britain into Ireland without a Testimonial, be not suffer'd to Minister.

There is no mention made of this, or any other Irish Synod in any Au­thor, except only the Authors of St. Patrick's Life, where this general Passage may be found. The most Holy Bishop St. Patrick, together with three other Bishops, and many Clarks, came to a Fountain call'd Debach, which flowes from the side of Crochon toward the East, there to Celebrate a Synod touching Ecclesiastical Affairs, and they sate near the Fountain; when behold two Daughters of King Legaren came early in the morning, to wash in the same Fountain, as Women there usually did; and there found the Holy Synod with St. Patrick near the Fountain. The Inscription of this Synod runs thus, Thanks be given to God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Patricius, Auxilius and Isserninus to the Priests, Deacons and whole Clergy, Health: It is [Page 100]better we should premonish those who are negligent, then blame things just; for Solomon saith, It isbetter to Reprove then to be Angry: The Tenor of our Definition begins thus, If any Captive, &c.

Another Holy Bishop and Disciple of St. Patrick is once more to be Commemorated, St. Albeus, who when he heard that St. Patrick had Con­verted to our Lord Engus King of Munster (Momonensium) and was with him in the Royal City Cassel, came to Salute them: Now the King and St. Patrick joyfully receiv'd him: And the Holy man Reverently Enter­tain'd his Master St. Patrick, for he was very Humble. After which this King Engus and St. Patrick ordain'd, that the Arch-Episcopal See of all Munster, should be for ever placed in the City and Chair of St. Albeus. The Conversion of King Engus was after this manner: When St. Patrick had Sown the Faith of Christ in Lemster, he Prosecuted his way to the limits of Munster; where the King with great Joy met him, having an earnest desire to Believe and be Baptiz'd, and with much Reverence con­ducted him to his Royal City Cassel, and having been instructed, Believ'd, and receiv'd Baptism. Three years after this, St. Patrick Consecrated St. Be­nignus Arch-Bishop of Armagh, and there quitting his Sollicitude for others, return'd into Britain, to his much desir'd Solitude of Glastonbury, where he ended his days.

His Successor St. Benignus, after seven years spent in Care of his Pro­vince, Thirsting after Solitude, and willing to see his Beloved Master, and desirous also to receive from him a most perfect Rule of Monastical Dis­cipline, by the Admonition of an Angel came to Glastonbury; and there demanded of St. Patrick, What place he should make choice of to live in Ʋnion with God alone, divided from Humane Society? St. Patrick's answer was, That he should pursue Happily his well begun purpose, saying, Go my beloved Brother, and take only your Staff with you; and when you shall be arriv'd at the place appointed by God for your Repose, wheresoever it be, having fix'd your Staff in the ground, you shall see it slourish, and grow Green, there know you must make your abode. Both of them being thus comforted with mutual Discourses, St. Benignus accompanied only with a Youth named Pincius, began his Journey through Woody and Moorish places; but as soon, as he was arriv'd at an Island, where he saw a Solitary place, and which he judg'd sit for his Habitation, he presently fix'd his Staff in the ground, which without delay wonderfully grew Green, and brought forth Leaves: There therefore St. Benignus resolv'd to abide until Death in the Service of God alone: And for many years after the same Tree, as a witness and sign of the Blessed man's Sanctity, remain'd flourishing with Green Boughs, over his Oratory. Now though that Solitary place, se­parated from Worldly Conversation, was very proper for the attending God in Divine concerns; yet one Incommodity it had, that no Water was near, so that young Pincius was compell'd every day to fetch Water almost three Miles off: Whence it came to pass, that partly through Weariness, but principally through suggestions of wicked Spirits, he grew dis-heartned, which the Holy man perceiving, oft-times endeavour'd to Comfort and Encourage him. At last taking compassion of his Labours, he Prostrating himself on the ground, Humbly and Heartily besought our Lord, to open for his Servant a Spring of Water, which might sufficient­ly supply his Necessities: After which, admonish'd by an Angelick Vision, he gave his Staff to young Pincius, commanding him to go to a certain [Page 101]place, full of Reeds, and their striking the ground with his Staff, he should without doubt find water, so earnestly desir'd by them: The Child obey'd, went to the place, and in the Name of the Blessed Trinity struck the ground three times, making three Holes in it, with the end of the Staff, which he had no sooner done, but immediately a Fountain gush'd forth, from whence to this day a Brook, and that no small one is supply'd, being not only productive of Fish, but Sanative also of many Infirmities.

This Island is said to have the Name of Ferramere: Bishop Ʋsher seems to agree that this Holy Bishop four years before his Death, came into Britain, and relinquish'd his Arch Episcopal See, for his retirement as aforesaid. He is suppos'd to have ended his Life about the year of Christ 455. And 630 years after, His Sacred Body was translated to Glastonbury by the direction and care of Thurston then Abbot.

The Example of St. Patrick and St. Benignus, was imitated by many other Irish Saints, who, to enjoy perfect vacancy from Worldly Affairs, retir'd into Britain, to Consecrate themselves unto God in a Life of Au­sterity and Contemplation; Cornwall was the Province to which they most frequently betook themselves: In so much as Cambden had just ground to say, That the People of Cornwall have always born such Veneration to the Irish Saints that retir'd thither, that almost all the Towns in that Province, have been Consecrated to their Memory: There is St. Buriens Dedicated to an Irish Religious Woman of that Name; to the Church whereof King Ethelstan in the year 936. gave priviledge of Sanctuary: There is the Town of St. Jies, so call'd from St. Jia, a Woman of singular Sanctity. who came thither from Ireland: There is St. Colomb, so nam'd from an Irish Saint Columba: There is St. Merven, St. Erben, St. Eval, St. Wenn, St. Enedor, and many other places, all which took their Names from Irish Saints: But one special Irish Saint is there Venerated, call'd St. Piran, by the Irish St. Kiacan, concerning whom Bishop Ʋsher writes, That he hear­ing that in Rome Christian Religion was most purely taught, and Faithfully practis'd, forsook Ireland and Travell'd thither, where being arriv'd, he was in­structed in the Christian Faith, and Baptiz'd; and there he remain'd 20 years, reading Divine Scriptures, and learning Ecclesiastical Rules with all diligence. He adds further, That at Rome he was ordain'd Bishop, and sent into Ire­land 30 years before St. Patrick: So that by some Irish Writers he is call'd the first born of their Saints: Howbeit in the Roman Martyrology, St. Pa­trick is said to be the first, who Preach'd Christ in Ireland; probable it is that this Saint was one of the first 12 Bishops Consecrated by St. Patrick to propagate the Faith first Preach'd in Ireland by him, and was by his Example, as many others were, so inflam'd with Divine Love, that they forsook all Worldly things, and led an Hermetical Life; for it is Repor­ted that St. Piran, calling his Disciples together, and other People, told them, It was the Divine Will that he should forsake Ireland, and go into Cornwall, there to expect the end of his days; And having thus dismiss'd them, he sail'd into Cornwall, where he built a Mansion for himself; and after many Miracles which God had there wrought by him, an Infirmity of Body seiz'd upon him, of which Languishing, he call'd his Brethren to­gether, whom he Copiously instructed in the concerns of Gods Kingdom, and commanded his Grave to be made ready; which done, he went down into it, and there render'd up his Soul to God, which, with great Glory was receiv'd into Heaven. His Sacred Body Reposes in Cornwall towards [Page 102]the Northern Sea, 15 Miles from Padstow or Petrockstow, and 25 Miles from Mousehole; Cambden mentions a Chappel Dedicated to St. Piran, seated in a Sandy place, He was (saith he) a Holy man, which came from Ireland; and if we may believe the Legend, fed ten Irish Kings and their Armies, with his three Cowes, rais'd to Life dead Men and dead Pigs, and in that place di­vested himself of his Mortality.

During the Reign of the Infamous King Vortigern, when the Britains were so Effeminated with Vice; that being unable to resist the Tyranny of their Neighbours, they call'd in from a remote Country more Cruel Ty­rants: God to blot out the shame and Cowardice of the former Armies, rais'd another British Army of Virgins, conducted by a Royal and Saintly Virgin St. Ʋrsula. Some assign this story to former times, but for many very considerable reasons, it will suit with no other times then we are now upon, viz. When Attila King of the Huns, truly Sir-nam'd Gods scourge, wasted Italy and the Western Regions, with Germany and Gaul, burning the City of Metz, Massacring Priests before the Holy Altars; insomuch as we read, That the Holy Bishop St. Lupus was led Captive by Attila from Troyes to the Rhine. Now whereas in the Gests of these Holy Virgins, mention is made of the Tyrant Maximus; it cannot be intended of that Maximus who slew the Emperour Gratian, but of a younger Maximus, descended perhaps from the stock of the former, and who also invaded the Empire, after the death of Valentinian.

And indeed if we consider the then present state of Britain, the Mar­tyrdom of these Virgins cannot so properly be ascrib'd to any other times then to this, when the poor Britains were distress'd on every side, as well by their Revolted Friends the Saxons, as by their Enemies the Scots and Picts; It was then but lately that Vortigern had call'd in the former against the latter, and Hengist with his Brother Horsa at first Fought successfully against them: But soon after those Valiant Captains despising their Friends for their Vices and Cowardice, they wrought upon the Luxury of Vorti­gern, seeking to entrap him with the Beautiful Rowena, Daughter of the Deceitful Hengist. Vortigern thus ensnar'd, bought Rowena at no less price than the whole Province of Kent.

Then the Saxons begin to pick a quarrel with their Benefactors, and making Peace with the Picts and Scots, turn their Arms against the poor Britains, threatning to lay the whole Island waste; which Threats they soon Executed with all Inhumanity, and in a dismall manner, took re­venge of all the Crimes committed by the Britains against God and his Re­ligion, by them profess'd: During these Miseries and Troubles, a world of Britains of both Sexes, forsook their Country, forsaken by God, and fled into strange Regions, whilst others submitted to perpetual slavery un­der the Saxons. Gildas expresseth this Calamity thus, saying, That very many passed over Sea, with grievous Howling and Lamentation; and in their Voyage, joyntly with Mournful Voices, repeated these Words of the Psalmist, Thou hast, O Lord, given us up as Sheep to be devour'd, and hast dispers'd us among the Nations: This Complaint suits best with the weaker Sex, especially those Virgin Martyrs whose Relicks were dispers'd among all the Nations of Christendom: Having thus settled the time of their Martyrdom; Without all Controversy they were all Britains, though some Writers, would have them to be Irish, without any solid reason.

The constant opinion is, that they were no less in number then 11000. This appears by the Hymn used in the Church of Colen, for the Celebra­tion of their memory: The cause why so many Virgins departed into Foreign parts, is thus related by Trihemius, though he erre in point of time.

The number of Soldiers (saith he) which under their Captain Conanus, went out of Britain into Armorica, was 30000 Fighting-men, and 100000 Plebei­bians to Till the ground; of these many were unmarry'd: Now Conanus and his Company being Christians, would not take Wives of the Idola­trous Pagans: At that time there was a Prince in that part of Britain which is opposite to Armorica, nam'd Dionatus a prudent man, who suc­ceeded his Brother Caradoc in that Principality. He had a Daughter nam'd Ʋrsula, the most Beautiful amongst all the Virgins of Britain, and with­all very Devout to our Lord.

Conanus the ninth Prince of Armorica sent Letters to this Dionatus Prince of Cornwall, entreating him to send her for his Wife, and with her a certain number of Virgins, to be Espous'd to his Soldiers according to their qualities. Dionatus at this request of Conanus, gather'd out of all the Provinces of Britain 11000 Maids of Noble Blood, and of Inferior fort 60000 Women, partly Maids, and partly such as had been Married; all these he commanded to be Transported for the purpose aforesaid: These are said to be order'd, and distributed into Ranks under several Leaders.

Of the 11000 Virgins, St. Ʋrsula was Queen, and Captain-General, over the whole Army; to her were joyn'd four other Virgins, who had also a General command; their Names were Pinnosa, Cordula, Eleutheria and Florentia: Under these were appointed eleven others, each of which was to govern a 1000.

This story hath been so corrupted with Prodigious Fictions, that the very Truth of it would have been question'd, if not lost, had not Reve­lation and extraordinary Providence rescu'd and preserv'd it. True it is, that neither Gildas or Bede make any express mention of this Story, the first aiming chiefly to inveigh against the Vices of the Britains; the latter, to relate the Affairs of the Saxons; yet both of them give us some intima­tions of this matter, and St. Bede twice expresly mentions the Celebration of the memory of these 11000 Virgin Martyrs, suffering for their Faith and Chastity at Colen. The plain and simple Narration of their Gests is this.

In the year of our Lord 453. St. Ʋrsula and her fore-mention'd Com­panions for the purposes before rehears'd, sail'd out of their Port in Britain toward Armorica; but were so driven, and disturb'd in their course, by contrary Winds and Tempests, that they were forc'd to shelter themselves at the entrance of the Rhene into the Sea: At this time infinite numbers of Hunns, Gepids and Russians, and other Barbarous Nations of the North, by Land and Sea vex'd both Germany and Gaul. By Gods special Provi­dence, who intended to match these Holy Virgins to a Spouse incompa­rably better than their parents had design'd for them; in the same station where they took Harbour, a great Navy of those Savage Pyrats lay floating, so that there was no possibility to escape them: The poor Virgins are soon seiz'd on by those Pyrats, who were mingled with many of the old Enemies of Britain, the Picts; for the chief Captains of this Fleet were Gaunus a Hun, and Melga a Pict. Being thus become Captives, they were in Boats con­vey'd up the Rhene as far as Colen; when they were arriv'd there, and [Page 104]encompass'd with innumerable multitudes of Savages, hating Christian Re­ligion, and Bruitish in their Sensual Lusts, both the Faith and Chastity of these Holy Virgins were at once assaulted; so as no means either by Allure­ments or Threats were left un-attempted to expugn their Chaste Breasts. In this extremity St. Ʋrsula with flaming words, exhorts her Companions, to contemn Death, and to Sacrifice their Chaste Souls and Bodies to their Caelestial Bride groom, and willingly to follow him who call'd them to receive Eternal Crowns of Glory. She tells them, Though their Enemies be never so many, strange, and Cruel, yet they should be unconquerable; unless they would willingly yield up the Victory: With these Exhortations the minds of these Holy Virgins became so full of Courage, that they think their Executioners delay their Death too long; insomuch, as amongst so vast a multitude of tender Maids, not one single person was found, which either out of Hope or Fear, yielded to the Wills of the Barbarous Soldiers.

They all willingly offer their Necks and Breasts to the Enemies Swords, which with unheard of Cruelty were Imploy'd to exterminate from the Earth so many immaculate Souls, who by a Miraculous care of Almighty God, would not suffer any Violation in their Bodies: Only one there was among them, who though she would not yield, yet through a Natural fear of Death, sought by hiding her self to avoid it: Her Name was Cordula; yet she the next morning came to the place where her Companions Bodies lay Massacred, and condemning her former Cowardliness, willingly offer'd her self to her Persecutors, professing publickly her Faith and Chastity; so as though she came late to receive her Crown, yet her Courage seem'd now greater, in that she oppos'd her self single, to an innumerable multi­tude of Savage Enemies.

Her memory is thus particularly Celebrated in the Roman Martyrology, the day following the Martyrdom of St. Ʋrsula and the rest; such a Sacrifice as this had never before, nor hath since been offer'd to God by his Church. We read of St. Agnes, St. Katharine and St. Lucia, with a few other Mira­culous examples of Courage and Chastity in tender Virgins; but they were single persons, neither is it un-usual with God, to shew the Power of his Grace, in some particular Favourite of his, to exalt the Faith, and confound Ʋnbe­lievers: There have likewise been recorded Illustrious Examples of multitudes of men, who have freely without resistance suffer'd Martyrdom, as the Thebaean Legion, &c. But such Courage in men, especially in Soldiers, who daily look death in the face, is not very extraordinary: Whereas here we find, a far more numerous Army, consisting of Young Timorous, tender Virgins, offering them­selves to innumerable Swords; not one single Soul yields to the Flatteries or fury of their Enemies, one only delays her Suffering, the space of one single night; and then animated as it were, with the united Spirits of all her Companions, next day sollicits the fury of innumerable Enemies, against her self alone, and joyfully triumphing over the rage of Men, and Hell, is joyfully receiv'd amongst her Companions.

The fame of these Virgins Courage, was no sooner spread abroad in the World, but all Countries and Churches became suitors to be Enrich'd with a portion of their Sacred Relicks, which have been since dispers'd through Germany, Gaul, Italy, Britain, yea Asia, Africk, and of late India it self, to the sulfilling of St. Ʋrsula's Canticle. Thou, O God, hast given us as Sheep to be devour'd, and hast dispers'd us among the Nations. Not above ten years after this Glorious Martyrdom, about the year of Grace 463. [Page 105] Solinus Arch-Bishop of Colen, in Reverence to the memory of the Holy Virgins, enclos'd with Walls the Sacred place of their Martyrdom, in which was Erected a Church Consecrated to their Chief Captain St. Ʋrsula, which remains to this day; by the access of which place, the City of Co­len was much enlarg'd: He took out of the ground, as carefully as he could their Sacred Bones, which he again Reverently bury'd in Chests Hewn out of stone: Neither did Britain long delay to testifie her Veneration of those her Blessed Children, for Cambden treating of Maidenhead, hath this Ob­servation, The Thames (saith he) winds back to a little Town formerly call'd Southlington, afterward Maiden-head, from the Superstitious Reverence there given to the Head, of I know not what Holy Virgin; one of the 11000. British Martyrs, which under the conduct of St. Ursula, returning from Rome into their Country were Martyr'd by Attila, called the scourge of God, near Colen in Germany.

I shall only here set down the Names of such of these Virgins, as have escap'd Oblivion, and adjoyn the Churches where many of them are Ve­nerated, in regard their Holy Relicks there repose: St. Ʋrsula divided her Innocent Army into several Squadrons; first she gave a general Authority over all under her, to these Virgins St. Cordula, St. Eleutheria, St. Floren­tia and St. Pinnosa; next she assign'd the Care and Inspection to each of these, viz. St. Benedicta, St. Benigna, St. Carpophora, St. Celindes, St. Clementia, St. Columba, St. Laeta, St. Lucia, St. Odilia, St. Sapientia, and St. Sybilla; other particular Virgins Names are recorded, St. Agnes, St. Antonina, St. Areaphila, St. Babraria, St. Baldina, St. Candida, St. Cara­dumea, St. Christina, St. Columbina, St. Corona, St. Cunera, St. Deodata, St. Flora, St. Florina, St. Florentina, St. Gratia, St. Honorata, St. Honoria St. Hostia, St. Languida, St. Margarita, St. Margaria, St. Oliva, St. Pam­pheta, St. Pamefrides, St. Pavia, St. Paulina, St. Pharanina, St. Pisona, St. Sambaria, St. Sancta, St. Semibaria, St. Terentia and St. Valeria. The Body of St. Ʋrsula is still preserv'd at Colen, but her Head was translated to Paris, where the Illustrious Colledge of Sorbon acknowledge her their Patroness: At St. Denis in France there is a Commemoration of Panefre­dis, Secunda, Gemibaria, Florina and Valeria, whose Relicks Repose there: At Huy in Germany is Celebrated the Translation of St Odilia, famous for frequent Miracles: The Monastery of Marcian in Flanders, possesses some part of the Body of St. Cordula: The Monastery of Good-hope, belonging to the Premonstratenses, enjoys the Relicks of St. Terentia, St. Marguarita, St. Baldina, St. Sambaria and St. Margaria, Translated thither when Rei­naldus was Arch-Bishop of Colen: The Monastery of St. Martin in Tourney Glories in the Bodies of St. Honor at a and Florina, and some part of the Re­licks of St. Ʋrsula: The Monastery of St. Amand in Pabula, preserves the Bodies of three of those Virgins, whose Names are unknown: At Andain in Arduenna, repose the Bodies of St. Grata, St. Hostia and St. Areaphila: An Hospital in Tourney possesses St. Languida; at Arras, the Bodies of St. Beata and St. Sancta are said to repose in the Cathedral Church; four of these Holy Virgins are Celebrated in the Monastery of St. Bertini in St. Aumar: At the Church of St. Salvius, the Relicks of St. Pavia and St. Ca­radumea are Venerated: The Norbertines at Vicorne possess the Bodies of St. Corona, St. Pharanina, St. Babcaria, St. Margarita, and another of the same Name St. Benedicta, St. Cordula, St. Sambaria, St. Deodata, St. Pam­pheta, St. Christiana: The Canons of Tongres Venerate the Heads of St. [Page 106] Pannosa and St. Oliva: The Nunns of Mays Venerate the Relicks of St. Paulina, St. Florentina, and Eight other of the said Holy Virgins: In the Town of Rheune, in the Diocess of Ʋtrecht, is Celebrated the memory of St. Cunera, who it is said, was a while conceal'd by a certain Noble Ma­tron, but being discover'd had her neck broken: But the Belgick Writers say, She was by a Noble-man in Compassion taken from the rest, and convey'd to his House, where his Lady stir'd up with Jealousy, Murdered her, and hid her Body in the Stable; into which the Lords Horses at his return, would by no means enter, by reason whereof the Murder was discover'd: The Nuns of St. Belian Honour the Body of St. Honoria, Translated thither long since: At Pobletum in Catalonia rests the Body of St. Columbina: And at Dertosa are Venerated the Relicks of St. Candida: In all the Religious Houses of the Jesuits throughout all Portugal, some part of the Bodies of these Vir­gin Martyrs are Reverently repos'd; and the Feast of St. Ʋrsula after a particular manner Solemniz'd over all that Kingdom.

Lastly A Father of the same Society nam'd F. Gomez, carried with him into the East-Indies the Head of one of those Virgins, by whose Interces­sion the Ship and Passengers escap'd from, otherwise unavoidable dangers.

To conclude this Story, with the observation of a Learned Writer upon it, How great a measure of Christian Fortitude (saith he) hath been implan­ted in the Hearts of the Women of that Northern Island, since the time that St. Eleutherius Bishop of Rome sent into Britain St. Fugatius and St. Damia­nus; may be evidently seen by this one Example: For, from all Antiquity of the Church through the whole World, cannot be produced an example, equalling the Virtue and Courage of these Holy Kirgin-Martyrs.

The purpose of Almighty God began now to appear to root out the In­corrigible Britains, and in their room plant the Saxons, who were at first more numerous than their Companions, either the Jutes or the Angli; and from them, having prevail'd, this Country was call'd Saxonia transmarina, though after it took its denomination from the Angli, who became nu­merous and Powerful: The Saxons were a Nation deriv'd from the Sacae, a Powerful People of Asia, who disburthening themselves by sending Co­lonies abroad, settled in the Coasts of Germany toward the Northern Sea, from the Rhene as far as Denmark, so as their Teritories were Antiently much larger than the Dutchy of Saxony: The Angli came out of a Regi­on call'd Anglia, scituate between the Saxons and the Jutes; their Capi­tal City in the Saxon Tongue, is call'd Sleswick, and by the Danes Haitby; from these the greatest part of Britain is call'd England: From these also came their prime Captains, Hengist and Horsa, and in truth the precise Seat of our Progentiors the Angli, is a small Province in Denmark, at this time call'd Angel: The Jutes or Goots were Antiently seated on the Northern Coast of the Cimbrian Chersonesus, call'd by the Danes to this day Jutland: They were probably deriv'd from the Gutti, placed by Ptolomy in Scandia, and their seat is still call'd Gothland; yet are they not the same Goths or Getes, who, with their Victories heretofore measur'd all Europe; for their Habitation was near the Euxine Sea: In what particular Provinces of Britain these Jutes seated themselves, it doth not appear, nor is there any menti­on of any Principality they had in this Island, as the Saxons and Angli had, to whom the Jutes were rather to be accounted Accessaries in ming­led Companies; though some think, they possess'd themselves of the King­dom of the South Saxons and the Isle of Wight.

They are all generally comprehended under the Title of Saxons, and are describ'd to be of the most Robustious Bodies, and most Agile of all the Germans: Witchindus the Monk, treating of them, saith, The Franks won­der'd to see such men of Tall Stature, Invincible Courage, of unwonted Habits, wearing their long Hair spread over their Shoulders and Arms; but especially they admir'd their undaunted Courage: They wore short Coats, and were Arm'd with long Lances, and their Posture was to lean upon their Shields, having great Daggers behind upon their Reins. Impatient were they of any Scorn or Dishonour; insomuch, as when Symmachus being Consul at Rome, had prepar'd great numbers of them to Fight as Gladiators for the Entertainment of the People, the night before they were to be brought upon the Theater, 24 of them without any Ropes strangled themselves.

Their principal Exercise and Skill was in Pyracy, in small Flat-bottom'd Boats, so nimble and manageable, that with them they vex'd the Coasts of Gaul, Spain and Britain; so as the Romans were oblig'd all along the Coasts to appoint Souldiers and Officers, for their Guards, who were call'd, Counts of the Saxon Coasts.

Their Religion is thus describ'd, viz. That in a Temple of theirs, call'd in their Language Ʋbsola, adorn'd with Gold throughout, the People Adore the Statues of three Gods; the most Powerful, they call Thor, who is placed in the midst, and on each side are set the Statues of Woden and Fricca: Thor they conceiv'd to preside in the Air, to send Thunders, Light­nings, Showers and Serene Seasons, and to govern the Fruits of the Earth. Woden signifies Valiant, he disposes of Wars, and administers Courage to them against their Enemies; Fricca bestows Peace and Pleasure on men; to her Statue is adjoyn'd a huge Priapus. Woden they Carv'd in Arms, as the Romans did Mars; and Thor with a Scepter, answering Jupiter: From these three Deities they nam'd three days of the Week; from Woden, whom some interpret to be Mercury, Wednesday took its Appellation; from Thor, Thursday, from Fricca or Frea, suppos'd to be the Wife of Woden, Friday; Tuesday had its Name from Tuisco, Founder of the German Nation, who thence are Nam'd Tuitsch or Dutch: The Month of April they usually call'd Easter Month, the Solemnity of our Lords Resurrection, usually falling on that Month: To Woden they usually offer'd Humane Sacrifices chosen from their Captives.

Yet among all these Abominations, those Antient Saxons had some qua­lities very commendable, especially their Chastity; Tacitus hath observ'd, That their Marriages were severe, and such Christ exactly observ'd amongst them; that they were almost the only Barbarians, who contented themselves with single Wives, their Wives are confin'd to their Houses, kept from the sight of impure Spectacles, and provocations of Intemperate Feasts: Salvian also hath Honour'd the Saxons for their Chastity, though he blames them for their Cruelty. And after that time St. Boniface writes thus of them, That in old Saxony, where was no knowledge of Christ; if either a Maid or Wife be guilty of Adultery, they force her to strangle her self, and then burn her Body; or else, after they have cut off her Garment to the Waste, the Chaste Matrons whip her out of their Confines; and there fresh Women meet her with Whips, or prick her with Knives; and thus they use her till they have kill'd her.

Upon this Foundation of Chastity the Saxon Churches amongst us con­tinu'd stable for many Ages: Hence were deriv'd so many numberless swarms of Virgins, and Religious men, despising all Carnal Temptations [Page 108]and Pleasures: In no Nation or Church such frequent Examples have been afforded of Princes; willingly and by Vow abstaining from Lawful and Matrimonial Pleasures; of Virgins willingly exposing their Lives to pre­serve their Purity; yea Disfiguring themselves, for their appearing Odious to those who otherwise would have violated their Chastities: But now alas Chastity is not so much esteem'd.

It will not here be amiss to take a view of the Britains of that Age, that we may see, God did not forsake them, till they had fill'd up the measure of their sins by all manner of Impieties: A more convincing witness whereof cannot be found then their own British Historian Gildas, who seems to have his Pen directed by God, on purpose to write, like another Jeremias, the heavy Judgments inflicted on his Country; and the more heavy Crimes, from Heaven exacting those Judgements: The whole Na­tion generally, is by him acknowledg'd guilty of all manner of Vices, joyn'd with extream Ingratitude to God; for whereas after the Incursions of the Picts and, Scots there ensued such wonderful Plenty of all things, as no former Age coul parallel; the Britains turn'd this into wantonness, abound­ing more then ever, in all manner of Uncleanness and Luxury; which Filthi­ness was accompanied with hatred of the Truth; so that if any one in Con­versation, shew'd any sign of a Christian Life, the general hatred of the Bri­tains soon pursu'd him: From this contempt of Divine Benignity, God sought reclaim them, by his scourges of Pestilence and Famine, by which such multitudes perish'd, that the Living were not able to bury the Dead. Princes (saith Gildas) were Anointed, but not by our Lord, for those were made choice of to reign, who were most Eminent for their Cruelty, and pre­sently after Murder'd by their Anointers, and others more Feirce and Savage were Elected.

By the way we may hence perceive, that in those Antient times, the Solemne Ceremony of Anointing Kings was in use: This is also con­firm'd by St. Gregory, who declares, That in his time, what Prince soever was rais'd to the heighth of Royal Dignity, receiv'd the Sacrament of Ʋnction. The manner how this Unction was administred, is still extant in the Book call'd Ordo Romanus: Selden indeed will needs have this passage in Gildas to be taken Metaphorically, contrary to the constant succeeding Practice among the Saxons: To shew what little hopes our Historian had of any amendment amongst the Britains; he further chargeth the Ecclesiasticks of those times, who should have been Correctors of others, to have been yet more corrupt than the Laity: For, (saith he) those Enormous sins were not only committed by Secular men, but by Gods own flock and the Pastors thereof: Those who ought to have been Examples of Piety to the People, were most of them, dissolv'd with Wine, and all manner of Excess: Ani­mosities, Contentions, Envy against one another, tore them into Factions; Insomuch, as Gildas Compil'd a particular Treatise, call'd, The Correction of the Clergy, which he begins thus, Britain has Priests, but many of them Impudent; It has Clergy-men, but great numbers of them Covetous Oppressors, Deceitful Pastors, or rather Wolves to destroy the Souls of their flock, hav­ing no regard to the Spiritual good of their People; but only seeking to fill their own Bellies: They possess the Houses of the Church for Lucres sake only: If they teach the People, they render that Instruction fruitless, by their ill Ex­ample: They seldom Sacrifice, and more seldom approach the Altars with Pure Hearts, &c. He further chargeth the Clergy with Simony, Purchasing Liv­ings and Bishopricks with Money, of the then Ruling Tyrants, &c.

Hence we may plainly perceive, why the Nation was deliver'd over to the Sword; and the Barbarous Nations which came for its Punishment, were for their reward call'd to embrace the Christian Faith: Neither was Bri­tain alone thus punish'd, but all the Provinces of Europe, were made De­solate by innumerable Armies of Barbarous People from the North; and the Church of God so afflicted, as if our Lord had cast off all care of his flock: But if we consider consequents, we shall find that the Catholick Church, thereby receiv'd a great increase both in the number of Professors, and the Zeal of their Profession; for though those Barbarous Nations for a while Persecuted the Church, yet e're long our Lord subdued their Minds, and those strong Natural Passions of theirs were imploy'd in ad­vancing Gods Church; insomuch, as the Apostles time and Primitive Age could scarce afford such Heroical Examples of Christian Zeal, Magnani­mity and Contempt of the World, as those Barbarous People once Con­verted did: So Healthful is the Severity of God towards his People.

Many Historians accuse the Cowardly Sloth of King Vortigern, as if he weary of the Troubles of War, chose rather with his Money to Hire Stipendiary Strangers, than to train up his own Subjects to resist his Ene­mies; and therefore invited the Saxons to Fight for the Britains: But as Beda saith, This was done by the common advice of the Nation; For a meet­ing was assembled, wherein it was thought best by all, as well as by the King, to demand Aide of the Saxons: Which resolution, doubtless was order'd by Divine Providence, to punish the Impious Britains, as the event declares; for Gildas reflecting on the madness of this Consultation, thus exclaims, O the profound Blindness of the Britains minds! O the Stupi­dity of their Senses! These Saxons at whose Names they trembled, when they were absent, are now by the foolish Princes, invited to live in their own Houses, so senseless was their Councel: How senseless soever it was, Ambassadors were sent into Germany, men of the highest repute, and such as might most worthyly represent their Country: Witchindus thus describes the order of this Embassage. Fame (saith he) loudly proclaiming the Prosperous Victories of the Saxons, the Britains sent Messengers to them to beg their assistance, who did it in these words, viz. O Noble Saxons, our miserable Country-men the Britains, wearied and even consum'd with the frequent Incur­sions of their Enemies; having heard of your glorious Victories, have sent us humbly to implore your Aide; in recompense whereof, they offer to you a Pro­vince Spacious and Abounding with all things: We have hither to liv'd Happily under the Protection of the Romans; after them, we know no Nation better than your selves, to whom we may have recourse; we therefore desire to shelter our selves under the Wings of your Courage, &c. It may be doubted whe­ther this Oration were deliver'd in so submiss a stile, for they were sent to hire the Saxons with a large Stipend, not to yield up the Country to them. However, sure it is, the Saxons in their Answer, assur'd the Britains, They would be Faithful Friends to them, ready always to assist them in their Neces­sities, and to do them all Offices of Kindness. With which Answer the Am­bassadors return'd home well satisfied, and were joyfully receiv'd by their Country-men: This satisfactory Message was return'd in the year of our Lord 448. and the year following an Army of Saxons under their chief Conductors Hengist and Horsa, landed in Britain; whose coming Gildas in his Angry stile thus describes, mingling with it a Prophecy among the Saxons, relating to it: Then (saith he) a drove of Whelpes rushing out of [Page 110]the Barbarous Lyonesses, came hither in three Ships with full sails, and an ominous Course; encourag'd by a Prophecy certainly believed among them, that for the space of 300 years, they should Possess the Country; toward which they directed the Prow of their Ships, and that in half of that time, they should often lay it waste: They first fast'ned their terrible Nails, by order of the un­happy Tyrant Vortigern, on the Eastern part of the Island, with a pre­tence to defend, but with an intent to subdue the Country: There may be some shadow of Truth in this Prophecy, for the Saxons for 300 years may be said to be Possessors of the Island, under the Title of Saxony be­yond the Sea.

After the Angli gave their own Name to it: Besides, after 150 years, by the coming of St. Augustine, they became Christians; and of Wasters of the Country, became more Gentle and Civil Inhabitants thereof: They first possess'd themselves of the Ille of Thanet in Kent, and there first land­ed at a place call'd Wipped-fleet, from Wipped a Saxon Commander there, after slain: They being thus landed, about the year of our Lord 450. the Scots and Picts invaded Britain with a mighty Army, wasting the Pro­vinces as they came along: Vortigern gathers his Soldiers and Auxiliary Saxons together, and march'd beyond the River Humber; when they came to a Battle, the Britains had little need to Fight, for the Saxons Comba­ted with such Courage, that the Enemies, formerly accustom'd to Victo­ry, soon turn'd their backs, and fled: Vortigern therefore having by their Valour obtain'd the Victory, increas'd his Liberality to them, and gave to Hengist their Captain great Possessions in Lyndsey, part of Lincolnshire, suf­ficient to maintain him and his Soldiers. Huntingdon will needs have this Battle at Stanford in the Southern parts of the same Shire; adding, That the Picts and Scots had march'd so far without opposition; and that they were only Arm'd, and Fought with Darts and Lances; but the Saxons with Battle-Axes and long Swords, whose force and weight their Enemies not being able to sustain, were soon put to flight.

Now as touching the Land thus given to Hengist, Cambden gives us this Relation out of our Annals: Hengist having subdu'd the Picts, besides large Possessions conferr'd on him in other places, requested Vortigern to bestow upon him in that Province, so much ground as he could encompass with an Oxes-Hide, which being obtain'd, he cut it into Thongs extreamly Thinn, and with it en­compass'd a great Territory, in the midst of which he built a Castle; which by the Name perpetuates the memory thereof; for it is call'd Thong-Castle: As Carthage for many Ages remain'd a witness of Dido's Fraud; for by thesame slight she obtain'd the Seat where she built that City; so does this Castle, still offer to our memories the Simplicity of the Britains, and Craft of the Saxons; such a gift could not satisfie the Ambition of Hengist, whose aim was to be Master of the whole Island. The subtile man therefore pre­suming of the Kings Friendship and easiness, thus address'd to him, My Lord the King, you see how your Enemies disquiet you on all sides; if you please, therefore we will send into our Country, for the increase of our numbers with new Recruits. The King commanded him to do so withour delay, that he might be freed from the fear of his Enemies: Hengist sends Messengers accordingly, who quickly return'd with 18 Ships laden with Soldiers; and not with Soldiers only, but with a fair Lady, the Daughter of Hen­gist, whose Beauty and Flatteries so bewitch'd the King, that to please her, he betray'd both his Faith and Kingdom. Malmsburiensis reports this [Page 111] Rowena the Daughter of Hengist, To be for Beauty the Miracle of Nature, admir'd by all that look'd on her.

Hengist commands a Magnificent Feast to be provided for the Entertain­ment of his newly arriv'd Soldiers, to which the King is Invited: He ap­points his Daughter to perform the Office of Cup-bearer to the King, that he might surfeit his Eyes with her Beauty. The design took effect, for the King being a Slave to Beauty, was presently wounded with the Grace­fulness of the Maids looks, and the Elegancy of her Gestures nourishing in his mind a hope to enjoy her: Without delay he demands her for his Wife. The Crafty Father pretends such a Marriage would be too mean for so great a Prince, but with great importunity, yields his unwil­ling willing consent; to reward which, and for a Dowry to his Daughter, the King gives him the whole Province of Kent, some writers say, This Feast and Marriage were Celebrated at Thong-Castle, where Rowena was instructed by her Father to Drink a Health to Vortigern after the German manner: However, certain it is, that besides the infinite Damage to the Kingdom by Alienating so considerable a Member as Kent, so convenient for the harbouring of new Forces: this Marriage was in a high degree Pernicious, because the King had another Wife, and for that being a Chri­stian, he had joyn'd himself to a Pagan Idolatress.

Presently after this unhappy Marriage, the Voyage and Martyrdom of St. Ʋrsula and her Companions happ'ned, whose Heroical Constancy, might help to wipe out that stain, which the Lust of this King had cast upon the Nation: Hengist having thus Prostituted his Daughter to the King, who Prostituted his Country to Hengist; the Saxons began to swell with ambitious Thoughts, and knowing the Nation generaily dis-approv'd the Kings Marriage, and cooled in Affection and Duty to him, began to pick quarrels with him, and contemn'd him for his Vices: They there­fore sought occasions of War against the Britains, whom God had or­dain'd to be punish'd for their Crimes; so that Hengist boldly requir'd of his Son-in-Law the King, a more Plentiful supply of Provisions, other­wise he would renounce the League between them, and lay waste the whole Island; which Threats were presently attended with dismall Effects: For the Saxons entring a League with the Picts, gather'd an innumerable Army, which, without resistance, spoil'd the whole Country.

Thus a flame kindled by the hands of these Pagans, prov'd a just revenge of the Crimes of this Nation; which Crimes were the less Pardonable, be­cause committed by those who profess'd themselves the People of the True God: No wonder was it, that the Saxons met with so little resistance, seeing the Kings Marriage with an Infidel Lady, his Divorce from his Lawful Queen, and the delivering up so considerable a part of his Kingdom to Strangers, had rais'd high Discontents against him among his Subjects: However, by common consent, they besought him to take Pity on his Country, ready to Perish, at least not to neglect his Faith and the Church of God, in danger to be destroy'd by Heathen Miscreants; which if it should happen by his default, and that the Diabolical Worship of Idols should prevail against Gods true Religion, it would be punish'd, by his own and his Peoples Eternal Misery.

The Bishops and Clergy repeated these Admonitions to him, but all in vain: wherefore, Vortigern became deserted of all his Subjects, and the Nobility by unanimous consent, rais'd into his Throne his Son Vortimer. [Page 112]No writers affirm that Vortigern was Depos'd, but Deserted by his Sub­jects, as a Prince given up to his Pleasures, and therefore incapable to re­sist the Ambitious Designs of Hengist; against whom the whole Nation was resolv'd to joyn all their Forces to expel him out of the Kingdom. Vortimer was an earnest Incendiary of the War against these Saxons, being resolv'd to endure their Boldness and Ambition no longer: And for this reason most of the Britains follow'd him; not that the Nobles depriv'd Vortigern of his Royal Authority, or Created Vortimer King; as a late Calvinistical Writer insinuates: However this Change could not but work Divisions in the Kingdom, for Vortigern for the space of sixteen years, ha­ving had possession of the Kingdom, could not want some Adherents to take his part; so as those Divisions could not but give too great advantage to the Progress of the Ambitious Saxons.

Vortimer being thus exalted, either as Associate with his Father in the Throne, or as General of the British Forces; hasten'd to give proof of his Country-mens good advice in their Election of him; and taking notice of the Craft and Ambition of the Saxons, study'd how to drive them out of the Nation, vehemently urging his Father to attempt it; so that an Army was soon rais'd, this happ'ned the seventh year after their first entrance: Great preparations were made on both sides; at last they came to a Battle, which was fought in the Fields of Eglestirpe, now call'd Alesford, a Town in Kent wash'd by the River Medway: On the Britains side were three chief Captains, who led each a third part of the Army; Ambrosius Aure­lianus led the first Division, Vortimer the second, and Catigern a younger Brother of Vortimer led the third: The Saxon Army was Conducted by Hengist and Horsa: In the beginning of the Battle, Horsa set upon the Army of Catigern with such Vigour, that it was disperss'd like Dust before the Wind, and Catigern the Kings Son was slain; but his Brother Vorti­mer a Prince of admirable Courage, falling side-ways into Horsa's Squa­drons, routed them, and kill'd Horsa, the most Valorous of the Saxons; the remainder of his Forces fled to Hengist, who then was Fighting with Invincible Courage against Ambrosius, so as the whole weight of the Com­bate lay upon Hengist, who being Assaulted, and brought into great straits, by the Accession of Vortimer's Forces, after he had a good while sustain'd the impression of the whole British Army, was at last overcome, and com­pell'd to fly, which he had never done before.

Yet this Victory cost the Britains dear, for great numbers of them were slain; nay some Authors affirm, That Hengist obtain'd the Victory: The Body of Horsa was Buried at a place not far from the Battle, in memory of him call'd Horstead; Catigern's Body is suppos'd to have been Buried at Aylsford, by the Saxons call'd Eglesford, by the Britains Saisseneag-Haibail, because the Saxons were there overcome. To testifie which Victory, there still remain four great Stones standing upright, after the manner of Stone­henge in Wiltshire, which from Catigern are vulgarly and imperfectly call'd Keith-cotyhouse. Horsa thus dead, the Saxons exalted Hengist to the Title of the King of Kent. The same year he is reported to have Fought three Battles against the Britains; but being unable to resist the Valour of Vorti­mer, he was forc'd to retire into the Isle of Thanet, where he was daily Assaulted with British Ships: At last the Saxons leaving their Wives and Children in Thanet, return'd to Germany, to call in greater Forces.

The year after, dy'd the Glorious King Vortimer, the fourth year after he was assum'd to the Participation of the Regal Authority. Some Writers affirm, He dy'd a Natural Death; others say, He dy'd by Poison, admini­stred to him by his Mother-in-Law Rowena, into whose mind the Devil sug­gested, to cause a Servant of his to give him Poison; which he having drunk, and perceiving the approach of Death, he divided his Treasures among his Soldiers, earnestly exhorting them to Fight Couragiously for their Country. Moreover, He commanded a Pyramid of Brass to be made, and plac'd in the Haven where the Saxons usually landed, upon which Pyramid his Body should be laid; that the Enemies seeing the Body of so Valorous a Prince, might be frighted back into their own Country. More probable it is, that he intend­ed his Statue should be plac'd on the Pyramid; for being a Christian Prince, he was Decently and Solemnly Buried after the Christian manner: And it is said, He was Buried in the City of the Trinobantes, now London, and with him was Buried the Crown and Glory of the British Nation. Beside his Courage, he is said to be Eminent in other Virtues, especially Piety; and some say, In his War against the Saxons, he bore in his Ensign the Image of our Lord Jesus Christ; To which Devotion of his, we may impute his Victories, or at least to his Pious and Charitable care in restoring the Churches destroy'd by the Saxons.

The year after Vortimer's death, Hengist return'd out of Germany with greater Forces, and took a firmer possession of his Kentish Kingdom, and for the better Establishment of his Family therein, joyn'd his Son Aesca with him in the Regal Power. To oppose them the Britains invade his Country with a great Army; consisting of four great Bodies, Conducted by four Valiant Captains; but when the Conflict was begun at Cregan­ford, the Britains found themselves too weak for the Saxons; which were new Recruited with great numbers of chosen Robustious Soldiers, who with their Swords and Battle-Axes, cleft asunder the Bodies of the Britains: Yet did they not give ground, till their four Captains were slain; but afterwards were so terrified, that they fled as far as London, and never after had the Courage to bring an Army into Kent again, so that Hengist and his Son quietly enjoy'd that Kingdom, fixing their Palace at Canterbury: Thus began this new Kingdom of Kent in the eighth year after the Arrival of the Saxons in Britain.

It is not probable that this exalting of Vortimer, was any Deposal of his Father; for Vortimer being Dead, his Father continu'd King, and for a while gave proof of his Courage in repressing the Ambition and Violence of Hengist, though after he return'd to his former Licentious Slothfulness.

Now during these Wars, Hengist is recorded to have exercis'd extream Cruelty in all places where his Armies came, and especially in Kent, against Priests and Holy Virgins, great numbers of which he caus'd to be Massa­cred, Demolishing Churches, and Profaning Altars. Among the Victims of his Barbarous Cruelty, the memory of Voadinus Arch-Bishop of London only remains in our English Martyrology; who being a man of great Sancti­ty, reprov'd Vortigern, for repudiating his Lawful Wife, and Marrying an Infidel; which so inflam'd Hengist with rage, that he commanded the Holy Bishop with many other Priests and Religious men to be slain; Gil­das declares, That great numbers of Bishops and Priests were Massacred by this Saxon King: And St. Bede relates more particularly the Rapines, Cruelties and Devastations of this Impious King, wherewith he miserably fill'd the whole Island.

The year of Grace 461. is noted with an Act of most Perfidious Cruelty; perpetrated by this Barbarous Prince: His Ambition was not satisfied with the Kingdom of Kent, so as he resolv'd to enlarge his bounds in Bri­tain by any means; and finding that by exercise of War, the British Courage increas'd; he therefore turn'd his Thoughts, to invent some Stratagem for the compassing his Designes. He insinuates himself into the minds of Vor­tigern and his Nobility, as if he were desirous of Peace and Amity with them, which if they would grant, he would turn his Arms against the Picts and Scots, and drive them out of the Island; quickly did he obtain belief from the easy Nature of Vortigern; whereupon a meeting is appoin­ted between the Britains and Saxons, with this caution, that each King should be attended with 300 only, and those un-arm'd; and at this meet­ing they were to treat of the Conditions of Peace: The place appointed for this Fatal Assembly, was a Plain near Sorbiodunum, or Old Salisbury, a City seated in the Province of the Belgae; wherein remains a Monument of a Dire Tragedy; for both sides being met, a great Feast was prepar'd for the Britains, at which the Articles of Agreement were to be ratified, by mutual Promises and Oaths: Towards the end of this Feast, when they were dissolv'd in Wine, Hengist on a suddain, call'd aloud, To Arms, which was the Watch-word agreed among the Saxons, who immediately drew out short Swords, conceal'd under their Cloathes, and quickly slew their Un-arm'd Guests the Britains: Howbeit, which is remarkable, Eldol the Valiant Consul or Governour of Glocester, snatching up a stake, by Chance lying near, with it slew seventy of the Treacherous Saxons. A Monument of this Barbarous Tragedy, not long after rais'd by the Britains, continues to this day, and is Vulgarly call'd Stone-henge, Upon Salisbury-Plain; where, in a space of ground compass'd with a Ditch, are placed, as in a three-fold Crown, Stones of an incredible vastness, some of them 28 foot in hight, and 7 in breadth; over many of which, other great Stones are plac'd a-cross; Cambden believes, That this Monument was rais'd, in memory of this Treachery by Ambrosius Aurelianus, or his Bro­ther Ʋterpendragon, by the help and Art of Merlin the famous Magician; though others deliver, that it was a Magnificent Sepulcher, rais'd for Am­brosius himself slain near this place, from whom the Town of Ambresbury-not far distant took its Name.

In this Slaughter the Saxons took Vortigern Prisoner, and the year fol­lowing bound him with Chains, threatning Death, unless he would de­liver up 38 of his Cities and Strong-holds: Vortigern to save his Life, quick­ly yielded to their demands; which being confirm'd by Oath, they gave him his Liberty: And first they seiz'd upon the City of London, then York and Lincoln, and then Winchester: All which adjoyning Provinces they wasted, killing the Inhabitants: They Levell'd with the ground all Churches, and Buildings belonging to Ecclesiastical Persons, kill'd the Priests near the Altars, burn'd all Books of Holy Scripture, and heap'd Earth on the Sepulchres of Martyrs: Religious men to escape their fury, were sain to fly into Desarts, Woods and Rocks, carrying with them the Relicks of Saints. And as for Vortigern, seeing this horrible destruction, he retir'd into the North part of Wales, and there inclos'd himself in a Town call'd Genorium. Now the three Provinces, with which Vortigern re­deem'd his Life, are with more probability express'd by Malmsburiensis in this manner. Of old, (saith he) the Eastern and Southern Saxons, with [Page 115]the Eastern Angli, were Subjects to the King of Kent; for those Provinces Hengist the first King of Kent obtain'd of Vortigern, not by open War, but Treachery: And in truth those People before-mention'd, did at last obtain for their Habitation five Counties, Essex, Sussex, Surrey, Norfolk and Suffolk, the Inhabitants whereof in the Romans time, were the Trinobantes, Regni, & Ireni: The same year wherein Britain became thus dismembred, God recompensed that loss to the British Church, by the Birth of St. Da­vid, one of the greatest Lights that ever the Church enjoy'd, as well for his Sanctity of Life, as Vigour of Authority, and Zeal in suppressing He­resie, with the Exaltation of Ecclesiastical Discipline. His Birth was attend­ed with several Wonders, denoting his Eminency: For St. Patrick, be­fore his going into Ireland, being in the Valley of Rosma, in the Province of Dimetae, (Northwest-Wales) meditating on his Mission into that Island, had a Revelation by an Angel, That after 30 years, a Child should be born in that Province, which should give a great Lustre to that Country. To this Pro­phecy regard was had, in this Collect, repeated Anniversarily in the Antient Church of Sarum on St. David's Feast, O God, Who by an Angel didst fore­tell the Nativity of thy Blessed Confessor St. David 30 years before he was born, Grant unto us we beseech thee, that Celebrating his memory, we may by his in­tercession attain to joyes everlasting. Thirty years being finish'd after the said prediction, the King of the Region call'd Ceretica travelling to Dune­tia, met by the way a Religious Virgin Nam'd Nonnita of great Beauty, which he Lusting after, by Violence Deflour'd; she hereby Conceiv'd a Son, but neither before nor after had ever knowledge of any man; but persevering in Chastity both of Mind and Body, and sustaining her self only with Bread and Water, from the time of her Conception, led a most Holy Life.

The King thus Father of St. David, is call'd Xanthus, and his Mother by some Nam'd Melaria: The eminent Sanctity of this Child, the Fruit of his Holy Mothers Fasting Chastity and Prayer, was by another Divine Oracle fore-told, a little before his Birth: For when Gildas Albanius was from the Pulpit teaching a great Congregation, on the suddain he became dumb and un-able to speak, but afterwards broke forth into these words; A Holy Woman call'd Nonnita, now present in this Church, is great with Child, and shall shortly be brought to Bed of a Son, full replenish'd with Grace: It was in re­gard to him that I was hindred from speaking, by a Divine Power restraining my Tongue. This Child shall be of so Eminent Sanctity, that none in these our parts are comparable to him; I will surrender this Region to him, who will from his Infancy by degrees increase in Grace and Sanctity: An Angel Gods Messenger hath reveal'd this unto me. This Holy Child not long after born, was Baptiz'd by Albeus Bishop of Munster, who at that time by Divine Pro­vidence arriv'd there, at a place call'd Portcleu: During his Childhood, he was Educated at a place nam'd the Old Bush, by the Cambrians Henme­nen; and by the Latines Menevia; he grew every day replenish'd with Grace, and being of a perspicacious wit, proceeded in the Study of Learn­ing, far beyond all other Children of his Age: This Child after, became the first Bishop of Menevia, to which place he translated the Bishoprick of caerleon, and which from him was call'd St. Davids, for his Learning, Sanctity and Miracles, worthily Celebrated by the British Church.

Whilst Vortigern lurk'd Ingloriously in the Mountains of Wales, busie in building a Castle for his Security; the middle Provinces of Britain, lest [Page 116]un-guarded, were expos'd to the fury of the Saxons: This Castle had the Name of Genorium, afterward of Caer Vortigern: It is plac'd (saith Camb­den) in a vast Solitude, fearful for the Horrour of Mountains, and narrow turn­ings of the passage to it: To this place Vortigern the Plague of his Country, withdrew himself, to seek refuge for his own person, and there spent his time in consulting South-sayers, especially his Magician Merlin: Hereupon the Britains thus deserted by their King, were compell'd to seek one a­broad, and therefore send Messengers into the lesser Britain beyond Sea, to Aurelius Ambrosius and his Brother Ʋterpendragon, who for fear of Vorti­gern were retir'd thither. Them they beseech to return into their own Country, that having expell'd the Saxons and their hated King Vortigern, they might receive the Crown of Britain. These Brothers now of ripe Age, prosecute their Journey accordingly, attended with Ships and Arm'd Souldiers: All Authors speak of Ambrosius, as a Modest Prince, who alone of the Roman race, had remain'd alive, after so great a Tempest of Wars and Changes, in which his Parents, who had worn the Royal Purple were slain: It may be presum'd, that he was the Son of Constantine, who about 50 years before, pretended to the Roman Empire, and in that attempt was slain in Gaul, for that Constantine had other Children besides Constans, who is said to be his Eldest Son when Vortigern was chosen; this Ambrosius was a Competitor with him for the Crown, and failing therein, was com­pell'd to quit his Right and Country, and to retire himself into little Britain; from whence notwithstanding, in the Generous Vortimer's time, he return'd; and Fought for him Valiantly against the Saxons, as is before­mention'd, but after his Death it seems, retir'd to his former refuge: The return of these Princes, wrought a greater dread in Vortigern, then the Saxons.

I shall omit the Fable of the two Dragons coming out of the Lake, and how the Red Dragon was destroy'd by the White, and proceed to the Gests of our Aurelius, quickly set upon by the Saxons after his Landing.

For King Hengist and his Son Esca, in the 17th. year after the first com­ing of the Saxons, and in the year of Grace 465. gather'd an Invincible Army: On the other side the Britains uniting all their Forces, oppos'd them with an Army gallantly rang'd into twelve Bodies: The Battle was fought near the famous Port of Rochborow; the Fight continu'd long, and with little advantage; untill at last, Hengist having slain the twelve Leaders, forc'd the Britains to fly, but himself lost great numbers of his Soldiers and Principal Officers; amongst the rest a great Prince of his Nation, call'd Whipped, in memory of whom the place of the Battle took the Name of Whippedstede: So that the Saxons themselves bewail'd this Victory, nei­ther did they after that time, take the confidence to enter into the Bri­tains Border, nor the Britains to Invade Kent.

The year following produc'd no Wars from the Saxons, so as Aurelius Ambrosius had leasure to convert his Arms against the Author of all those present miseries, the unhappy King Vortigern: He marches therefore to the Castle Genorium, and Besieges it, but found the King so strongly For­tified there, that by no force or cunning he could expugn it. At last by Fire, whether coming from Heaven, or cast in by Ambrosius, is uncertain, both the King and his Castle were consum'd, so as his Body was never after seen: Vortigern thus remov'd, the whole Power of the Kingdom was devolv'd upon Ambrosius by the Unanimous Consent of the whole Na­tion: [Page 117] For which purpose (saith Sir Henry Spelman,) a Council or Assembly was call'd about the Mountains of Erir in North-wales, by which he was ex­alted to the Royal Dignity: In the year 465, or in the year following.

How Happy this change was, will appear by what follows; for Ambrosius, as soon as he was plac'd in the Throne, imploy'd himself in repairing Churches, which had been ruin'd: He was indeed a Prince, Magnificent in his Gifts, Sedulous in the Worship of God, averse from Flatteries, a Valiant Soldier, and very Skilful in Commanding an Ar­my; and for these Virtues was famous in far distant Regions, and be­ing so renown'd a Prince, he may possibly be the same Ambrosius men­tion'd by Eugypius in the Life of St. Severine, wherein he intimates, That the Holy Bishop finding favour from Odoacer, whose Reign in Italy, he had fore-told, requested the King to free a person call'd Ambrosius from Banishment: And truly Baronius citing this passage, is of the same opi­nion; several years pass'd after Ambrosius attain'd the Throne, either in Peace, or without any considerable War between the Britains and Saxons.

During this calm, St. Patrick who many years before return'd out of Ire­land, dy'd in his Solitary retreat at Glastonbury; in the Antiquities whereof we may find, That after the Death of Vortigern, Aurelius Ambrosius raign'd; and then it was that St. Patrick the Apostle of Ireland, and first Ab­bot of Avallonia; after he instructed his Brethren in Regular Discipline, and competently enrich'd that Monastery with Possessions, procur'd from Kings and Princes, yielded to nature in the 39th. year after his return to that Island, and was buried in the Old Church on the Right-hand of the Altar, by direction of an Angel, a great flame in the sight of all, breaking forth in the same place. The Irish Writers will needs have it, that St. Patrick's Body reposes in the Church of Down-Patrick in Ireland; on whose side St. Bernard seems to be, in his Life of St. Malachias, where he intimates, That St. Patrick's Body rests in the See of Armagh, accompanied with those of St. Columbanus and St. Bridget: The difference may easily be decided, for no doubt but some considerable Relicks of his Sacred Body at the request of the Irish, have been deposited at Down aforesaid; a world of Examples of the like Errour being extant in Ecclesiastical History.

The space of eight years being compleat after the Battle of Whippedsflet: Hengist took up Arms against the Britains, and once more discomfited them, carrying away immense Spoils: The Truth is, in these days some­time the Britains, and sometime their Enemies had the Victory, so that Hengist perceiving, that with those Forces which he had, he could make little progress against so Valiant a Captain as Ambrosius, nor hardly main­tain the Provinces given to him by Vortigern, sent for new and greater Supplies out of Germany; whereupon a famous Saxon call'd Ella with his three Sons Cymen, Pleting and Cissa, and a numerous Army took Sea, and by the direction of Hengist bent their course towards Sussex, and landed at Cymen-Shore, so call'd from Ella's Eldest Son.

Now while the Saxons were landing, the Britains rais'd a loud Cry, at which a World of People repair'd to them from the places adjacent; and straight a Combat began; the Saxons, men of great Stature and Courage receiv'd the Britains Politickly, and they as Imprudently set upon their Enemies; for coming in loose Companies, one after another, they were easily slain by the Saxons, who kept themselves together in close [Page 118]Bodies: So as the Britains, who still came in to Aid their Country-men, were suddainly discourag'd, by the noise they heard of the formers Defeat. They were all therefore put to flight, as far as a Wood call'd Andredsleige, so as the Saxons possess'd themselves of the Sea-coast of Sussex, every day by little and little enlarging their limits, until the ninth year after their coming.

In which ninth year, whilst Ella and his company boldly enter'd further into the Country; the Princes and Nobles of the Britains met in Arms at a place call'd Mercredeburn, and Fought against the Saxons: The Victory was doubtful, for on both sides the Armies were much impair'd and broken. So as each of them retir'd back to their own quarters; Matthew of West­minster saith, That Ella and his Sons were forc'd to forsake the Field; and fearing his strength not enough, to make good his present Conquests, much less to enlarge them, sent into Germany for new Supplies; which being arriv'd, he continu'd his Progress in gaining more Territories, 'till he establish'd a new Kingdom of South-Saxons: Now while Aurelius Ambrosius imploy'd his Forces in repressing those Southern-Saxons; Hengist having left his King­dom of Kent well guarded, took a Journey into the Northern Provinces, where joyning with the Picts and Scots, he took many Cities and Towns before the Britains could oppose him; and for Security of his Conquests, he built many Castles and Strong-holds, but demolish'd all Churches where­soever he came. King Ambrosius being inform'd hereof, with great Cou­rage, as in Gods Cause, march'd after him, and beholding as he pass'd on his Journey, the Towns laid waste, and the lamentable ruines of the Churches, with the Miseries of the poor People, he could not, as is said, refrain from Weeping: Whereupon by Vow, He promis'd Almighty God, that if he Would render him Victorious over the Saxons, all the ruin'd Churches he would re-build and restore. How this Pious Vow was approv'd by God, let the success demonstrate; Ambrosius now resolv'd to provoke the Saxons to a Combat, found Hengist with his Forces beyond Humber; who in­tended to set upon the Britains in a Field call'd Maisbely, through which Ambrosius was to pass, whom he hop'd to find unprovided: But the Bri­tish King had notice of this design, and prevented it: However the two Armies met in good order, and a fierce Battle began between them, much Blood was shed on both sides: At last Hengist perceiving his Army to give ground, and the Britains to prevail, fled to a Town nam'd Cair-conan, now Cuningsbury; but considering the weakness of that Town, he betook himself to the Swords and Spears of his Soldiers, Ambrosius pursued him, and by the way put all the Saxons he found to the Sword; and having ob­tain'd a great Victory, gave devout Praise and Glory to the God of Hea­ven: Hengist indeed Fortified his Camp the best he could near the said Town, but in a few days, was forc'd to come to a Battle before his Camp, which prov'd fatal to him and his, for the greatest part of his Army was cut in pieces, and himself taken Prisoner, and Beheaded by the Brittains. This Battle was Fought on the bank of the River Don.

The manner how Hengist was taken, is thus related, The Valorous Duke or Consul of Glocester, Eldoll, was very desirous to cope with Hengist, and therefore with the Forces under his command furiously piercing into the Ene­mies Squadrons, found him at last, and laying hold on the fore-part of his Hel­met, with main force drew him within his own Troops; saying, God hath at last fulfill'd my desire; He it is who hath given us the Victory: Ʋpon this [Page 119]the Saxons fled, Octa the Son of Hengist, to York; Esca, and not a few with him, betook themselves to the City of Acluid: After this Victory Ambrosius took the City Caerconan, which he enter'd Triumphantly: Then Ambrosius calling his Captains together, commanded them to Decree what should become of Hengist; whereupon Eldad Bishop of Glocester and Brother of Eldol, im­pos'd Silence on them all, and gnashing his Teeth for rage, told them, Though all there present, had a desire to set him free, I my self would cut him in pieces: Why (saith he) do you delay, O Effeminate Britains; did not Samuel a Prophet having taken the King of Amalec Prisoner in Battle, cut him in pieces, one Limb after another, saying, As thou hast made many Mothers Childless, so will I make thy Mother Childless this day: Do you therefore deal in the same manner with this Barbarous King, who is ano­ther Agag, and hath depriv'd a world of British Mothers of their Children. When Eldad had thus said, He drew his Sword, and leading Hengist out of the City, cut off his Head, sending his wretched Soul to Hell.

Whether this Speech or Action became a Christian Bishop, I must leave to Graver Judgments: Ambrosius thus Triumphing, was not unmindful of his Vow, but took care to repair the Houses of God, which had been lately destroy'd, and placing in them Priests and other Clergy-men, he reduc'd the Divine Service to its Pristine order; and where ever he found any Idols or Temples of False Gods, he defac'd them utterly out of the memory of men He Studiously observ'd Justice and Peace, especially as to Ecclesiastical per­sons, on whom he liberally confer'd Revenues, injoyning them to Pray for the King, and state of Gods Church. Hengist thus dead, his Son Aesca, by Bede, nam'd Oisc, succeeded in the Kingdom of Kent, and from him, his Successors were call'd Oisckings: what became of his Brother Otta, who was said to fly to York, can no where be found in any Antient Writer, and therefore little Credit is to be given to what is reported of him by some late Writers; That Ambrosius should bestow upon him the Province of Galloway in Scotland, which was not in his disposal.

The same year wherein Hengist was slain, the Holy Virgin St. Bridget came out of Ireland into Britain, to obtain some Relicks of her Dear and Honour'd Patron St. Patrick, whose Disciple she had been, and a great admirer of his Sanctity: She stay'd here some years in a small Island near Glastonbury, call'd Bekery, where was an Oratory Consecrated to the Ho­nour of St. Mary Magdalen; afterward, leaving behind her Scrip Chain Bell, and other Vestments of her own wearing, which for the memory of her Sanctity were there repos'd; she return'd to Ireland; where, not long after she rested in our Lord, and was Buried in the City of Down: Concerning her we may thus read in the Martyrologies, This day (the first of February) is Celebrated the memory of the Blessed Virgin St. Bridget, who in Testimony of her Virginity, having touch'd the Wood of an Altar, it became presently green. She is said to have out-liv'd St. Patrick only 30 years.

In the English Martyrology there is a Commemoration of a British Mar­tyr, call'd St. Sophias, whose death is assign'd to the 490 year of our Lord, He was the Son of Guilleicus, Prince of the Ordovices or North-Wales, and undertook a Monastical Profession in a Monastery Built by himself in the same Province: He had such Devotion to our Lords Passion, that he made three Pilgrimages to Jerusalem to visit the Marks and Foot-steps of it: A great Veneration also he had for Rome, and those places which had been Consecrated by the Blood of the two Princes of the Apostles. Being [Page 120]at Rome, he was by the Bishop thereof, Consecrated Bishop of Beneven­tum, which See he govern'd with Prudence and Sanctity, till at last he was slain by an Impious Pagan, at the Holy Altar, while he was Celebra­ting the Mystery of our Redemption.

No less famous at this time was the Holy British Virgin St. Keyna; Illu­strious she was for her Birth, being the Daughter of Braganus, Prince of that Province in Wales, which from him was call'd Brecknokshire; but more Illustrious for her Zeal to preserve her Chastity, for which she was call'd in the British Tongue Keynvayre, that is, Keyna the Virgin: This Prince Braganus, or Brachanus, is said to have had twelve Sons, and as many Daughters by his Lady call'd Macella Daughter of Theodoric Son of Tethphalt Prince of Garthmatrin, afterward nam'd Brecknock; their first born Son was St. Canoc, of whom more hereafter; their eldest Daughter was Gladus, Mother of Cadocus by St. Gunley a Holy King of the Southern Britains; their second Daughter was Melaria or Nonita, the Mother of the Holy Archbishop St. David; mention will be made hereafter of Al­medha another of their Daughters: As for St. Keyna, when she came to ripe years, many Noble persons sought her in Marriage, but she utterly refus'd that state, having Consecrated her Virginity to our Lord by a perpetual Vow; at length she determin'd to forsake her Country, and find out some Desert place where she might attend to Contemplation; wherefore di­recting her Journey beyond Severn, and coming to certain Woody places; She requested the Prince of that Country, that she might be permitted to serve God in that Solitude: The Prince was willing to grant her request, only he told her, The place did so swarm with Serpents, that neither Men nor Beasts could inhabit in it; To which she reply'd, That her Trust was fix'd in the Name and Assistance of Almighty God, and therefore she doubted not to drive all that Poisonous brood out of that Region: Hereupon the place was readily granted to the Holy Virgin, who prostrating her self to God in fervent Prayer, ob­tain'd of him to change all the Serpents and Vipers there into Stones; so as to this day the Stones in that Region, resemble the Windings of Serpents, through all the Fields and Villages; as if they had been so fram'd by the Hand of the Engraver: Cambden gives some account of this Miracle: On the Western Banks of Avon (saith he) is seen the Town of Cainsham, some are of Opinion that it was nam'd so, from Keyna, a most Holy British Virgin; who according to the Credulous perswasion of former Ages, is believ'd to have turn'd Serpents into Stones, for that such like Miracles of sporting Nature, are there sometimes found in the Quarries. I my self (saith he) saw a Stone brought from thence representing a Serpent roll'd up into a Spire: The Head of it stuck out in the outward Surface, and the end of the Tayl terminated in the Center. Many years having been spent by this Holy Virgin in this Solitary place, and the fame of her Sanctity every where divulg'd, many Oratories also built by her; her Nephew St. Cadoc performing a Pilgrimage to the Mount of St. Michael, met there with his Blessed Aunt St. Keyna to his great joy, and would have had her back to her own Country; but the In­habitants of that Region would not permit it.

Howbeit, afterwards by the Admonition of an Angel, the Holy Maid return'd to the place of her Nativity; where on the Top of a Hillock, seated at the foot of a high Mountain, she made a little Habitation for her self; and by her Prayers to God, obtain'd a Spring there out of the Earth; which by the Merits of the Holy Virgin afforded help in divers Infirmities. [Page 121] One night when the time of her Consummation approach'd, by the Revelation of the Holy Ghost, she saw in a Vision, as it were a Fiery Pillar, the Base where­of was fix'd in her Bed, which was no other then a Pavement strew'd over with a few Branches of Trees. In this Vision two Angels appear'd to her, one of which approaching respectfully to her, seem'd to take off the Sack-cloath where­with she was cover'd, and instead thereof, to put on her a Smock of Fine-linnen, over that a Tunick of Purple; and last of all a Mantle all woven with Gold, and then bid her prepare her self to come with them, that they might lead her into her Heavenly Fathers Kingdom. Hereupon she wept with excessive joy, and endeavouring to follow the Angels, awak'd, and found her Body inflam'd with a Feaver, by which she perceiv'd her end was near: Sending there­fore for her Nephew St. Cadoc, she said thus to him; This is the place above all others belov'd by me, here my memory shall be perpetuated: This place I will often visit in Spirit, if it may be, and I am sure it shall be permitted; for our Lord hath granted me this place as an Inheritance: The time will come when this place shall be inhabited by a sinful People, which notwithstanding, I will vio­lently root out of this seat. My Tomb shall lye a long time unknown, 'till the coming of other People, whom by my Prayers I shall bring hither; them will I protect and defend, and the Name of our Lord shall in this place be Blessed for ever. After this, her Soul being ready to depart out of her Body, she saw standing before her, a Troop of Heavenly Angels, ready with joy to re­ceive her Soul, and to transport it safe from her Spiritual Enemies: She had no sooner related this Comfortable Vision to the standers by, but her Blessed Soul was freed from the Prison of her Body: In this her Dissolu­tion her face smil'd, and was all of a Rosy colour; and from her Sacred Virgin Body, so sweet a Fragrancy proceeded, that those who were pre­sent thought themselves in the joys of Paradice: St. Cadocus Buried her in her own Country, where for many years, she had led a most Holy Mor­tified Life, very acceptable to God.

To the Gests of this Holy Virgin St. Keyna, we may here adjoyn what is reported of her Sister Almedha, and her Brother St. Cadocus: Many Churches are dispers'd through several Provinces of Cambria, Illustrated by the Names of the Children of Braganus; of these, one is seated in the top of a certain Hill in the Region of Brecknock, not far distant from the principal Castle of Aberhoden, which is call'd the Church of St. Almedha; who rejecting the Marriage of an Earthly Prince, and Espousing her self to the Eternal King, Consummated her Life by a Triumphant Martyrdom: The place of her Solemnity, is yearly Celebrated the first of August, whereto great numbers of Devout People from far distant parts, us'd to Assemble, and by the Me­rits of that Holy Virgin, receive their desir'd Health from divers Infirmi­ties: One special thing hap'ning usually in the Solemnity of this Blessed Virgin, seems very remarkable: For you may there often-times see Young­men and Maids sometimes in the Church, sometimes in the Church-yard, and sometimes while they are Dancing in an even ground encompassing it, to fall down on a suddain to the ground; at first they lye quiet, as if they were wrap'd in an Extasie; but presently they will leap up, as if possess'd with a Frenzy, and with both their Hands and Feet before the People, they will represent what­soever Servile work, they unlawfully perform'd upon Feast days of the Church; one will walk as if holding the Plow, another as if driving Oxen with a Goad, and both of them in the mean time Singing some rude Tune, as if to ease their Toyl; one will act the Trade of a Shooe-maker, another of a Tanner; a third, of one [Page 122]which were Spinning: Here you may see a Maid busily Weaving, and expressing all the Postures usual in that work: After all which being brought with Offer­ings to the Altar, you would be astonish'd to see how suddenly they will return to their Senses again. Hereby, through Gods Mercy, who rejoyceth ra­ther in the Conversion, then Destruction of sinners; it is certain, that very many have been corrected and induc'd to observe the Holy Feasts with great Devotion.

Touching their Brother Cadoc, the Fame of his Sanctity was most emi­nent among the Silures, his Name is consign'd in our English Martyrology, on the 11th. of February; and that he flourish'd in all Virtues in the year of Christ 492. To him in all probability is to be refer'd that which is reported of the Wreath (Torquis) of St. Canauc: The Inhabitants of that Country esteem this Wreath, to be a precious Relick, and of wonderful Virtue; insomuch, As when any one is to give a Testimony by Oath, if that Wreath be placed in sight, he dares not presume to commit Perjury.

In the same year mention is made of the Martyrdom of a King of Breck­nock, call'd Clitanc, or Clintanc, a Prince very observant of Peace and Justice among his Subjects; who became a Martyr adorn'd with a Caele­stial Crown, for his Virtues and Merits, especially his Chastity and Purity from Carnal Delectations.

In the year 491. is most aptly placed the beginning of the Kingdom of the South-Saxons; which as it began more early than most of the rest, so did it soonest fail, and was the last that embrac'd the Christian Faith: Ella had a long time held the Kingdom of Sussex in great Power: He re­ceiv'd great Recruits out of Germany; so that being consident of his Forces, in the third year after the death of Hengist, he laid Siege to the City of An­dredecester; the Britains gather'd infinite numbers to raise this Siege, and both day and night, vex'd the Besiegers with Ambushes and Incursions; but they, nothing discourag'd, gave continual Assaults on the City, and in every Assault the Britains set on their backs, throwing Arrows and Darts upon them, so as they were forc'd to give over the Assault, and turn their Forces against the Britains, who being more nimble, quickly run into the Woods; and when the Saxons return to the Walls, they also return upon their backs: By this means the Saxons were extreamly Harrass'd, and great slaughters made of them; till at last the Saxons were compell'd to divide their Army into two parts, and to imploy one part in expugning the City, while the other was in readiness to Fight with the Britains from without: Then indeed the Besieged weak'ned with Famine, could no longer resist the Saxons, by whom they were all consum'd with the Sword; moreover, in revenge of the great losses sustain'd by the Saxons during this Siege, they demolish'd the City, so as it was never built again: There only re­mains the mark of a place where once a Noble City had been seated. We find mention made of a Provost of a Company of Soldiers under the Count of the Saxon-shore, placed at Anderida, as the Romans call'd it, to defend the Coasts from Saxon Rovers: There is left now no foot-steps of this great City, only a great Forrest, call'd by the Saxons Andraedwald, and by the Britains Lord Andred; which being Antently seated near where the said City of Anderida stood, continues the name of it.

About this time Ambrosius is said to have come to the Mount of Ambri, near Caer Carec, now Salisbury, where Hengist Treacherously slaughter'd so many Princes, for whom he intended to raise a Famous Monument. There [Page 123]also he is said to have constituted two Metropolitans, St. Sampson at York, and St. Dubritius at Caerleon. The second year after the Erection of the King­dom of South-Saxons, was Illustrious for a great Victory obtain'd by the Britains against the Saxons at the Hill Badonicus, as Bede writes, The Bri­tains conducted by their famous King Ambrosius, took Courage, and provo­king the Victorious Saxons to Combat, by the Divine Favour, obtain'd a Victo­ry over them; after which sometimes the Britains, sometimes the Saxons pre­vail'd, until the Saxons were Besieged in the Mountain Badonicus, and a great slaughter was made of them: Polydore Virgil will have this mountain between Yorkshire and the Bishoprick of Durham; but Cambden with greater probability, makes the Territory of the Antient City of Bath, the Scene of this Battle and Victory. By the Britains it was call'd Caer Badon: The City (saith he) was Besieged by the Saxons, but by the coming of the War-like Prince Arthur, they were forc'd to retire to the Mountain Ba­donicus, where, after a long and desperate Fight, they were overcome, and great numbers of them slain: This Mountain seems to be that which is now call'd Bannesdown, at the foot whereof is seated a little Village, call'd Bath­stone, where to this day are seen Rampires and Trenches, the marks of a Camp. This Victory is principally to be ascrib'd to Ambrosius, under whom the said Arthur his Nephew, Son to his Brother Ʋterpendragon, was indeed a principal Officer, and is said often to have repress'd the Haughty Saxons, swelling with the Pride of their Conquests. This is that Arthur, of whom the Britains, have wrote so many trissing Fables: A Prince worthy to be magnified by the Truth of History, and not to be made the subject of idle Dreams; since by his own admirable Courage he sustain'd his declining Country, and incited the Heartless Britains to re­assume their Courage.

One thing is remarkable in this Prince, that in the Siege of this Moun­tain Badonicus; confiding in the Protection of our Blessed Lady, whose Image he carried Sow'd to his Arms, he put to flight and slew 900 Saxons: His custom was to make use of these Spiritual Arms; and as Huntingdon affirms, In a Combat near the Castle of Guinton, he carried the same Image on his Shoulders, and by the power of our Lord Jesus and his Holy Mother Mary, that whole day the Saxons fled before him. Florilegus writes, That Prince Arthur's Shield, on which the Image of our Lady was Painted, was named Pridwen; and that in a certain Battle, he drawing ferth his Sword, Caliburn, invok'd the Name of the Blessed Virgin, and with great Violence peircing into the midst of the Enemies, at one Blow he slew whomsoever he touch'd with it; nor gave he over, till he had slain 840. of his Enemies with his Sword alone.

About this time there was a wonderful Apparition of the Glorious Arch-Angel St. Michael on the Mountain Garganus in Calabria, the memo­ry whereof is Celebrated Anniversarily by the Catholick Church on the 8th. of May: We here make mention of it, because a Holy Bishop born in this Island of Saxon Parents, St. Richard by Name, was present at the Conse­cration of a Church built in memory of this Apparition: This Bishop was the first of the Angli or Saxons recorded in Ecclesiastical Monuments, to have been gain'd to Christ, soon after their entrance into Britain, and be­fore any open Hostility broke forth between the Nations: He was born of Illustrious Parents, and in the year of Grace 455. his Innocence and Piety appear'd in his tender years, and in that Age he was averse from Luxury [Page 124]and Wantonness, diligent in reading the Scriptures, conversing chiefly with men of Learning and Virtue; by which he not only gain'd Love from his Parents, but Veneration from his Companions and Strangers: But because the following War; and the Idolatrous Rites of his Country­men, furious Enemies of that Religion, to which our Lord had call'd him, were a hindrance to his Progress in Piety: While he was intent upon his Devotions, the Glorious Apostle St Peter appear'd to him in his sleep, commanding him, in the Name of Almighty God, To take a Journey into Apulia, there to Preach the word of God to the Andrians; and that he should not apprehend the length of the way or menaces of the Infidels, because our Lord would be present to assist him: St. Richard thus awak'd from sleep, imme­diately rose, and casting himself before a Crucifix, gave humble thanks to God, and St. Peter for this Visitation: The day following, he forsook his Brethren, and taking his leave of his Dearest Friends; notwithstanding their importunity to detain him, began his Journey; and being arriv'd at Rome, he address'd himself to the Holy Pope Gelasius, and declar'd what had been in his Vision impos'd upon him by the Holy Apostle; begging his Permission and Blessing, to go for Andria, there to fulfil his Ministry: Gelasius hearing this, greatly rejoyc'd, and observing the Venerable Aspect of St. Richard, with his Gravity, ordain'd him Bishop of Andria; com­manding him wheresoever he went, to Preach the Gospel of Christ; and and so Kissing him, gave him his Benediction. St. Richard accordingly throughout his Journey Preached the Word of God, and by many Mira­cles and Cures of the Sick, Converted many to the Faith and Worship of God. At length he arriv'd at Andria, where, before the Gate of the City he saw a Blind-man, and a Woman, Bowed, and Contracted together, both which beg'd an Alms of him. He began to expound the Word of God to them, and perceiving the Blind man Attentive to him, he said, If thou wilt believe in Jesus Christ, and be Baptiz'd, thou shalt receive thy sight; The Blind man answer'd, I believe in Jesus Christ whom thou Preachest, and beg that I may be Baptiz'd: Whereupon the Holy man, with his Hands making the Sign of the Cross upon the Blind-man's Eyes, he immediately receiv'd his Sight: And casting away the Staves which had help'd him in walking, he gave Thanks to God and St. Richard, by whom he had been Enlightned. As for the Woman, when she saw the Miracle, she likewise was Cnoverted; so as St. Richard perceiving her Faith, took her by the Hand; whereupon she rose up streight, and walking, cry'd out with a loud voice, There is only one most high God, who by his good Servant hath made me whole: At these Acclamations of the Woman, the greatest part of the City met together, and attending to the Holy Bishops Preaching, were in short time Converted; God by him working many Miracles; so as the said Con­verts, having broken down all their Idols, were Baptiz'd by him.

Not long after which, follow'd the Apparition of St. Michael to the People of Siponto, who commanded them to Erect a Chappel there to his Name: This they signified to their Bishop Laurentius, and He to Pope Gelasius, desiring his advice, what was to be done; His Answer was, That being will'd by the Blessed Arch-Angel, a Church should forthwith be built, and that it should be perform'd by the Holy Bishops Laurentius of Siponto, Sa­binus of Cannusium, Pelagius of Salapia, Roger of Caunae and Richard of Andria. Upon this the two Holy Bishops last mention'd, took their Journey to Siponto on foot, with daily Fasting, toylsom Labours, and incommodity [Page 125]from the burning heat of the Sun; which incommodity, upon their Prayers, was miraculously remedied, by the flying of a mighty Eagle over their Heads, which shadow'd them during their whole Journey: At their Arrival they perform'd what they came for, as we may read in the publick Office of that Church: The Death of this Holy Bishop is Commemorated in the Martyrology yearly on the 9th. of April.

In the year of Grace 494. A third Noble German came into Britain, Nam'd Cerdic, a man of a High Spirit and Noble Descent, as proceeding from the Stock of Woden: Hearing of two Kingdoms already Erected in Britain; he resolv'd to venture for a share in his Country-mens Atchieve­ments. For that purpose, with his Son Cenric, and five Ships, he land­ed at a place after call'd Cerdic-shore, and the same day was met by multitudes of Britains, who Fought with him: The Saxons having rang'd their Forces in order, stood immoveable before their Ships: The Britains boldly set upon them, and then retir'd, but were not pursu'd by the Enemy; for they were resolv'd not to quit their place: The Fight continu'd, the Britains sometimes Charging, then retiring, 'till night se­ver'd them; and after the Britains perceiving the fierceness of those new come Strangers, departed; yet so, that neither side could boast of Victo­ry; only this advantage the Saxons had, that they took possession of their Enemies Shore, and by little and little enlarg'd their Conquests along the Sea Coasts: Their landing was in the Province of the Iceni, comprehen­ding Suffolk and Norfolk; but there they settled not, for marching through the Island, they came into the Western parts, where, in time they Erected the new and Powerful Kingdom of the West Saxons.

The Island thus dismembred by Barbarous Enemies; yet sustain'd greater Damage by Civil Dissentions, rais'd by Pascentius a Son of the late King Vortigern, who, after the Death of his Father, perceiving the Minds of the Britains inclin'd to Ambrosius, fled into Germany; where he remain'd several years, endeavouring to gather Forces sufficient to restore him to the Throne of his Ancestors; at length about the year 496. he came with a Powerful and well furnish'd Army, and landed in the Northern parts of the Island, with intent to revenge his own and his Fathers injuries upon Ambrosius. Upon news hereof, Ambrosius marches speedily to meet him, they came to a Battle, wherein Pascentius was overcome and forc'd to fly into the Country of the Scots, where, he recruited his Army, and return'd once more to try his Fortune against the Britains. But hearing that Am­brosius lay sick at Winchester, he thought it better to work his revenge by Treason, then open force: Therefore by Gifts and Promises he hir'd a certain Saxon call'd Eopa, to fain himself a Physitian and a Britain; who under this feign'd shew, and with a pretence of great Piety and Affection to the King, being admitted, mingled Poison in a Potion administred to him, of which Ambrosius presently dy'd, in the 31th. year of his Reign; But Pascentius did not long enjoy the fruits of his Treason: For Ʋterpen­dragon, Brother to the dead Ambrosius, and General of his Armies, march­ing against Pascentius, obtain'd a Signal Victory against him, and in a Battle slew him and his Captains that came with him.

The year following Ʋter came to Winchester, and calling an Assembly of the Clergy and People of the Kingdom, took upon him the Crown of Britain, which is said to have been set upon his Head by the Holy Bishop Dubritius. Ʋter then calling to mind a great Comet which had appear'd the [Page 126]year before, darting sorth only one Beam, at the end whereof was seen a Globe of Fire, shap'd like a Dragon; out of whose Mouth proceeded two Beams, one reaching to Gaul, and the other shooting towards Ireland, which ended in seven less Beams: For this reason he commanded two Dragons to be made of Gold like to that which had appear'd; one of them he gave in Oblation to the Church in Winchester, the other he carried with him, placing it in every Combat in his Ensign; and from that time he was call'd in the British Language Ʋtherpendragon: And hence it is, that to this day our Kings, in their War-like Expeditions, carry the like Ensign. Ʋter had no sooner put on his Crown, but he was forc'd to exchange it for a Head­piece; for Esca the Successor of Hengist and his Son Octa, attended with a mighty Army of Saxons, Invaded the Northern Provinces of Britain, and destroy'd all the Munitions between Albany and York. At last when they attempted the Siege of the City of Alcluid, Ʋterpendragon came upon them with all the strength of the Country, and enter'd Battle against them. The Saxons manfully resisted, and in the end compell'd the Britains to fly as far as a Mountain call'd Danet, which they seiz'd upon as a place of re­fuge; being so dismay'd, that they scarce knew what they did, but at last they resolv'd upon a prudent Exploit, which was, Courageously to set upon the Enemies by night: This Design they executed Prosperously, for the Saxons being thus unexpectedly invaded, scarce endur'd any Combat at all, but were utterly routed, and Esca and Octa were taken Prisoners, whom the King carried with him to London, where he caus'd them to be kept safe: About this time Arthur became of ripe Age.

The year of Grace 500. in our Ecclesiastical Monuments, is remarkable for the Death of St. Cadoc the Holy Abbot, Son of Gunleus Prince of the Southern Britains, and Gladus Daughter of Braghan: The Father of St. Cadoc, Gunleus by Divine Vocation growing weary of the World, built a Church, where he began to live in great Abstinence and Purity of Conver­sation: His Cloathing was Sack-cloath, his Diet Barley-Bread mingled with Ashes, and his Drink Water, he usually rose at mid-night, and to abate Carnal Desires, cast himself into Cold-water; He received nothing from any, but sustain'd himself with the Labour of his Hands. This retire­ment of St. Cadoc's Father, began while he was a Child, who when he came to years of Discretion, chose rather to imitate his Fathers Devotion, then to be expos'd to the Temptations and Vicissitudes of the World in the enjoyment of his Principality: He had for his Master and Director in the way of Piety, a Learn'd and Holy man, famous in that Age, call'd Tathai, who liv'd a Solitary Life, in all Austerity among the mountains of South-wales, 'till he was invited by Caradoc Prince of that Province to live Coenobitically, and to institute young-men in Learning and Piety, at a City call'd Venta Silurum in the Province of Monmouth; which Region from that City was by the Britains call'd Guent, the City being then an Academy Dedicated to the Studies of Literature, over which St. Tathai was President; and exercising that Office with great commendation, built there a Church,: Under so worthy a Master, St. Cadoc made wonderful Progress in Virtue and Piety, and himself became a Guide in Spiritual Life, and a Father of the Monks: For that purpose he built a Monastery, which was call'd Lancarvan, from an admirable accident in the building of it, wherein this Holy Father imploy'd wilde Harts, which became familiar, obedient and serviceable to him: Thus both the Father and the Son con­temning [Page 127]the World, liv'd in it to God only, and dy'd Happily. As for Gunleus the Father, when the end of his days approach'd, he sent to St. Du­bricius, who had been Bishop of Landaff, and to his Son Cadoc, desiring the Charity of a Visit from them; who came and comforted him, and after he had receiv'd the Holy Communion, for a Viaticum and defence of his Soul, he departed to our Lord: He was Honourably bury'd, and at his Sepulchre, Angels have been often seen, and Sick persons of all Infirmities resorting thither, and imploring his Intercession, have been Heal'd, Glo­rifying God in his Saint: The day of his Consummation in our Martyrology, is Celebrated yearly the 29th. of March; concerning his Son Cadoc it is re­lated, That he daily sustain'd 100 Ecclesiastical persons, as many Widows, and as many other poor People, beside Strangers, which frequently visited him. For though he was an Abbot, and had many Monks under his Government; yet he reserv'd a Portion of his Fathers Principality, to be Charitably di­stributed to such as had need. Neither was this Charity of his any trans­gression of his Monastical Profession, which forbids Propriety in Tempo­ral goods, because he only exercis'd a Pious Procuration, as he did in other Goods of his Monastery: He dy'd in the Province of the Ordovices, and was there held in high Veneration: For Harpsfield testifies, That a Church was Erected to his Honour among the Danmonii, at a place call'd Corinia, which to this day conserves his memory: In the Antient Martyrology he is Commemorated on the 24th. of February: In that Martyrology also the Names of other British Saints are recorded, who dy'd about the year of Grace 500. Among the rest St. Dogmael, or as the Britains call him, St. Tegivel, Illustrious for his great Virtues, Sanctity and Miracles. A famous Abbey in Pembrokshire took its Name from him. The memory is there also preserv'd of St. Bernach Abbot, a man of admirable Sanctity, who in De­votion made a Journey to Rome, and from thence returning into Britain, fill'd all places with the fame of his Piety and Miracles. The same year a famous Irish Saint and Martyr call'd Finguar, is recorded to have dy'd: He was the Son of Cliton a Prince in Ireland, who for Contemplation's sake, is said to have retir'd into Cornwall, where, with many others he was slain by Theoderick a Prince of that Country: His Life is found written by St. Anselm Arch-Bishop of Canterbury.

Aesca the Son of Hengist, who had been taken Prisoner by Ʋter, and confin'd in London, made his escape out of Prison, and return'd to his Kingdom of Kent, where, he after remain'd quietly. As for Cerdic, being not able to establish a Kingdom in the Western parts, he sent into Germany for new Supplies; whereupon the year following, Port a German Captain with his two Sons Bleda and Magla in two great Ships furnish'd with Sol­diers landed at a Haven from him call'd Portsmouth. Upon his landing, the British Governour with a great multitude boldly set upon the Saxons, but without Order, and so were soon defeated: This same year, while the Saxons made a Progress in the Southern and more Fertile parts of Britain, the Scots in the North laid a Foundation of their new Kingdom at the foot of the Mountain Grampius, which was call'd the Kingdom of Albany. Fergus the Son of Eric of the Seed of Chonare, with a Nation call'd the Dalreudins from Reuda, who first conducted them out of Ireland, and first also took upon him to be King of Albany, from Brun Albain to the Irish Sea, where the following Kings of the Seed of Fergus, to Alpin the Son of Eochal, reign'd.

As from Ireland many Holy men sought a retreat for their Devotion in Britain; so in these tumultuous times upon the same motive, some were in­duc'd to retire out of Britain into Ireland: Bishop Ʋsher exemplifies St. Pe­troc, who born in Britain, liv'd in Ireland, to whose Care and Instruction a Youth of seven years of Age, call'd Coemgen or Kegnius was there com­mitted. Saint Petroc was by Nation a Cambrian, not a Cimbrian, as in the Gallican Martyrology is mistaken, born of Princely Parents in Wales, and in his Infancy did so well imitate the Faith and Virtues of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles, that his Name may seem to have been given him by Divine Inspiration, as if God had destin'd him to be a Rock on which the Church of Britain should be built. When the Prince his Father was dead, the Nobles of the Country, with the consent of the whole People, were desirous he should succeed in the Royalty: But he neglecting world­ly Pomp, assum'd with him 60 Companions, and with them enter'd into a Monastery, and there undertook a Monastical Profession: After some time there spent, he went into Ireland, where for the space of 20 years, he addicted himself to the Study of good Learning and the Holy Scriptures; great part of which time St. Coemegen was under his Tuition. Now having in this space of time heap'd up a great Treasure of Learning, un­der the most perfect Teachers of that Island, he return'd into Britain, and in the Province of Corinia or Cornwall, intended to imploy all that Trea­sure for the Benefit of others. And to shew that he had not deserted his Religious Profession, he built a Monastery in a Town toward the Severn­shore, in those days call'd Loderic and Laffenac; afterwards from him, Petrocstow, now more contractedly Padstow: At this time the Saxons under Cerdic had possess'd themselves of that Province, and when the Saint with his Disciples had landed and left their Ship, certain Reapers then at work, spoke rudely and bitterly to them; and among other taunting Speeches, requir'd them, That their Conductor St. Petroc, should for the asswaging of their Thirst, cause a Spring of fresh Water to issue out of a Rock there ad­joyning. This was said either in Derision of them, being Strangers, or for a Tryal, whether their Sanctity was answerable to their Profession: Here­upon St. Petroc, who never refus'd what was in his Power, address'd his Prayers to our Merciful Lord, and with his Staff smiting the Rock, im­mediatly there gush'd forth a Spring of clear sweet water, which is said to flow there at this day: The Barbarous Pagans utterly ignorant of Chri­stian Religion, were astonish'd at this Miracle. And when the Holy Ser­vant of God ask'd them, Whether there were any in that Province, who Profess'd the Christian Faith, They directed him to a Holy man call'd Sam­pson, Who, they told him, led a Solitary Life, and exercis'd himself in Cor­poral Labours, Fasting, Watching and Prayers, sustaining himself daily with a small Portion of Barly Bread, This is that Samson, who succeeded St. David in the See of Menevia, and after was Bishop of Dole in lesser Britain, of whom more hereafter.

After 30 years abode in this Solitude, wherein he is said to have in­structed Credan, Medan and Dathan three of his Principal Disciples, Illu­strious for their Learning and Piety; he left his Monastery of Loderic, and undertook a Foraign Pilgrimage to Rome, and so to Jerusalem, from whence, he is said to have proceeded as far as India, and to have spent seven years, in the exercises of a Contemplative Life in a certain unknown Island of the Eastern Ocean; from which tedious Voyage, he at last re­turn'd [Page 129]home, and with 12 Companions retir'd himself into a dry and barren Solitude: His death in our Ecclesiastical Monuments, is referr'd to the year of Grace 564. and he was bury'd at Padstow; in which Town was Antiently placed an Episcopal See, which was after translated to Bod­min, in regard the Body of the Saint was at first meanly Bury'd at Padstow, and afterward transferr'd and Honourably repos'd at Bodmin: But his Relicks did not always rest at Bodmin, for as Roger Hoveden saith, Martin a Canon Regular of the Church of Bodmin, by stealth took away the Body of St. Petroc, and fled with it to the Abbey of St. Meven in Britain the less: Which Theft being discover'd, Roger, Pryor of that Cathedral Church, with the Antient Canons of the Chapter, address'd themselves to King Henry the Father, (for his Son was then likewise King) and from him they obtain'd a strict command to the Abbot and Convent of St. Meven, without delay to re­store St. Petroc's Body to the Pryour of Bodmin, which if they refus'd, the King gave order to Roland of Dinant the Governour of little Britain, to take away the Sacred Body by force: As soon as the Abbot of Meven heard hereof, he restor'd the Body entire, Swearing withall upon the Holy Gospels, and the Relicks of certain Saints, that it was the very same Body unchang'd and un­impair'd. The reason why the Covent of Meven were so desirous of the Relicks of St. Petroc, was, because St. Meven the Patron of that Monastery was born in Great Britain, and (as many other Saints did,) fled into the less Britain, and with great Veneration was Honour'd in the Territory of St. Malo, where Judicael a Prince of that less Britain descended from this of ours, built the said Monastery.

All Authors agree, that the year 508. was fatal to the Britains for the loss of a great Battle; wherein either their Valiant King, or General of his Army was slain; The Name of the Party mention'd to be slain, makes the confusion. The Noble Historian Ethelward expresly affirms, That Cerdic and his Son Cenric slew Natanleod King of the Britains. Mat. Paris indeed affirms, That Uther was then sick, and Natanleod his General. Bishop Usher may decide this Controversy, who affirms, That Uther in the British Language was call'd Natanleod, but after for his Valiant Acts, obtain'd the Sir-name of Uter, which in British signifies Terrible or Admirable; Therefore his Son and Successor Arthur was call'd Mab Uther, which signifies the Son of a terrible Prince, because from his Childhood he was Fierce and Cruel; Arthur being out of the British Language interpreted a Terrible Bear, or an Iron-wall, which breaks the Lyons Jaws. Henry of Huntingdon thus describes this Battle; Nazaleod (saith he, so he calls Natanleod,) was a Prince of great Fame, and withall of great Pride, of whom the Province was call'd Nazaleoli, which after had the Name of Certicks-ford: He gather'd an Army out of all Britain; and Certic with his Son to enable themselves to encounter him, had in so great danger obtain'd Aid from Aesca King of Kent, and Ella the Po­tent King of the South-Saxons, as likewise from Port and his Son lately ar­riv'd; which Forces were divided into two main Bodies, one led by Certic, the other by his Son Cenric. When the Battle was joyn'd, King Nazaleod, perceiving the right Wing of the Enemies, conducted by Certic, was much stronger than the other, he turn'd all his Forces against it, willing to destroy that which was Strongest. He set upon it therefore with such Violence, that he brake quite through them, threw down their Ensign, forc'd Certic to fly, and made a great Slaughter of his Army in a short time: But Cenric, who conduct­ed the left Wing, seeing his Fathers Army routed, rush'd vehemently on the [Page 130]backs of the Britains, whilst they pursu'd their Enemies flying; by this means the Combat became furious, insomuch as King Nazaleod was slain, and the Britains forc'd to fly, of whom there fell 5000. and the rest sav'd themselves by their swiftness. Thus the Saxons obtain'd a great Victory, so that for some years they were not disturb'd by the Britains; and the rather, for that great multitudes of Valiant Soldiers, came out of Germany to joyn with them. This famous Battle fought in Hampshire, the Province of the Belgae, between the entire Forces of all the Saxons and Britains, as it were for the Mastery, had utterly ruin'd the British State, had Ʋter left behind him a Successor of a Courage less Heroical, then his Son Arthur that re­nown'd Prince, whose glorious Exploits are now to be related.

The Gests of this Son and Successor of Ʋter, are clouded by such mists of Fables, that the Truth of his Story can hardly be related, not for want, but the excess of matter recorded of him, and that by Writers, who out of a desire to magnifie his Fame, by their impudent Lies have almost ex­tinguish'd his memory, and render'd him to Posterity a meer Romantick Phantasm. That there was such a Prince as Arthur, and that he was Illu­strious by many Victories over the Saxons in defence of his Country, can­not reasonably be question'd; But as to his Exploits abroad, his Round­Table and feigned Knights, we may well leave them to be justify'd by the Dreaming Bards of that Age: True it is, that Malbranc a Learned French Antiquary, misled by a wrong transcrib'd passage out of Gildas, will needs confound Arthur with Aurelius Ambrosius, as if Ʋter had been the Father and not the Brother of Aurelius: Whereas our Antient and most Prudent Historians agree, that without doubt Arthur was the Son of Ʋter, and Nephew of Ambrosius, and succeeded his Father, slain by the Saxons in the Throne of Britain: Some say, he was begotten of Igerna Wife of Gorlois Duke of Cornwall, whose affection Ʋter obtain'd, being transform'd by the skill of Merlin into the shape of her Husband: But the Virtues, Piety and Courage of this renown'd Prince, recompenc'd by God himself with wonderful success, seem not to suit with a Birth so infamous. A more sober account is given of him, in the Antiquities of Glastonbury, where we may find, That Uterpendragon the Brother of Aurelius Ambro­sius dying by Poison, after the coming of Cerdic the West Saxon, his Son Arthur a Youth of 15 years, began to reign over the Britains, his Mothers Name was Igerna; born he was in a Castle of Cornwall, call'd Tintagel. In this Narration, no aspersion is cast upon his Birth, but rather an Em­belishment of it; for it seems to affirm him descended from a Nephew of St. Joseph of Arimathaea call'd Hellanis: Whether he were no more then 15 years of Age when his Father dy'd may be a question, in regard men­tion is made of his Noble Exploits in the time of Ambrosius: Arthur was not present in the Army when his Father Ʋther was slain, being then im­ploy'd to oppose the Irruption of the Picts: For which reason perhaps no mention is made of him in the Saxon Annals, the design of which was only to relate the encounters between them and the Britains: Neglect­ing in the mean time what interven'd between the Britains and Picts.

Now at this time liv'd a King of the Picts, by some Writers call'd Na­vus, by others Can, Happy in a Fruitful Off-spring; for he had 24. Chil­dren, the Eldest nam'd Howel or Huel, a Prince of Invincible Courage, who would by no means acknowledge subjection to the Britains; into which Faction he drew all the rest of his Brethren, except only St. Gildas, [Page 131]Sir-nam'd Albanius, who bare a particular Affection to Prince Arthur: This Huel being of a restless Spirit, made frequent inroads into Britain, as may be found in the Life of St. Gildas; and so Cruelly wasted the Country, that the British King sent Prince Arthur with a numerous Army, who began a furious War with the young Pict, and after divers Defeats and Pursuits, slew him in the Island Minau. This War of Arthur's with the Picts, giv­ing occasion to mention this St. Gildas, it will not be unseasonable to re­late his Gests, and the rather, that in course of Story, he be distinguish'd from another Gildas his Contemporary, stil'd Sapiens or Historicus, and the younger of the two, of whom more hereafter.

These two are not seldom confounded together by Antient Writers, by reason they agreed in Name and many good Qualities: Howbeit this Elder Gildas, as we read in his Life, Was the Son of Con King of Albania; and being in his Childhood of an excellent Disposition, was carefully instructed, and did wonderfully profit in good Literature. After he was sent into Gaul, for the increase of his knowledge; where, having abode seven years, he return'd into Britain, furnish'd not with Learning only, but abundance of Books also. The report of his Eminent Learning drew many to him from all quarters, to suck instruction from him. But he took more care to enrich himself with Vir­tue and Piety then Knowledge; and indeed none was to be found in all those Regions comparable to him in Assiduous Prayers, Fasting, Sack-cloath and Mor­tifications: He wholly abstain'd from Flesh, contenting himself with Barly­bread and Herbs, with which he mix'd Ashes, to abate the Pleasure he might take in the taste of his Food. His Drink was pure Water from the Fountain: He would ordinarily at midnight plunge himself in the River for Mortification, and spend the rest of the night in Prayer, by which Austerities he became so lean, as if he had been in a Consumption. Whatever was bestow'd on him by rich­men, he presently distributed amongst the poor: His Charity drew him into Ireland, where the Gospel of Christ was not so well settled, and there he spent many years in instructing that Nation; but being inform'd, that in the more Northern parts of his own Country, Gentilism was generally profess'd, and that those few Christians who liv'd there, were Poison'd with many Heresies, he return'd thither; and being thorough furnish'd with the Armour of God, he demonstrated to the Pagans, that the suppos'd Deities Worship'd by them, were nothing but the Inventions of Impious men: And to the Hereticks, that what they held, was contrary to Divine Truth reveal'd to Gods Church, by which means he is said to have brought the Pagans to destroy their Idols and Prophane Temples, to receive Baptisme, and erect Churches: The Hereticks also he re­duc'd into the bosome of the Catholick Church: Now to make his Preaching more effectual; our Lord was pleas'd to give him a Plentiful Grace in Healing the Sick, giving Sight to the Blind, Curing the Deaf, Cleansing the Le­prous, &c. So that his Preaching confirm'd by frequent Miracles, spread the true Faith through all those Provinces, to the glory of God and the inexpressible joy of St. Gildas. After this imployment, some say he took a Journey to Rome, others more probably; that being invited by the Holy Abbot St. Cadocus, he presided over the Studies of many young Scholars in the Aca­demy of Lancarvan, where he continu'd only one year, leaving there a Book of the four Evangelists transcrib'd by himself: St. Gildas having ended the year of his Presidentship, and his Scholars retiring from their Studies, withdrew himself into a certain Island, as St. Cadocus did into another, the Islands were Ronech and Echni; while St. Gildas continu'd there in Prayer [Page 132]and Mortification, certain Pyrats from the Isles of Orkney rob'd him of his Utensils, and carry'd Captive away some of those which attended him, for which cause in great affliction he pass'd over to Glastonbury.

At this time Melvas a British Prince reign'd in the Province of Somerset, call'd by the Britains Gladarhaf: This Melvas had stollen away Guinivera, wife to King Arthur, concealing her in the Isle of Glastonbury, esteem'd most secure, both for the Fenny Scituation, and Religion of the place: Hereupon King Arthur assembled a mighty Army out of Cornwall and De­vonshire, and encompass'd the Island: The two Kings being ready to joyn Battle, the Abbot of Glastonbury, attended by St. Gildas and all the Clergy, came between the two Armies, and by perswasion induc'd Melvas to re­store the Queen to her Husband, which being perform'd, Peace ensu'd, and both the Kings bestow'd great Possessions and Immunities on the Mona­stery: After which St. Gildas, with the Abbots permission, retir'd again to an Hermetical Solitude on the bank of the River Axus near Glastonbury; where he built a Church, Consecrating it to the Blessed Trinity, and there spent his time in Prayer, Fasting and other Austerities; His Sanctity was so exem­plary, that many came from the farthest part of Britain to visit him, and take Spiritual Councel from him: He then fell into a Sickness, and know­ing that his Death approach'd, he call'd to him the Abbot of Glastonbury, and requested of him, That his Body might be buried in the Church of that Mo­nastery; which was readily granted: So the Holy man dying the 4th. day before the Calends of February, many saw an Angelical Splendour about his Sacred Body, which yielded a most Pleasant Odour. And after a solemn Recommendation of his Soul with many Tears of the Religious, his Sacred Body was carry'd with great Honour to the Church, and there bury'd in the midst of the Pavement of the Antient Church, in the year of Grace 512. What hath been here related, agrees with the Antient Monuments of Glastonbury, where this Holy man is stil'd Historicus, neque Insulsus, neque Infacetus, and most particulars of his Life are with a large Character of him, confirm'd in the Gallican Martyrology, where is also added, That he being during his Childhood sent into France, was recommended to the Instructi­ons of Iltutus, a Disciple of St. German; and that his Voyage into Ireland, was to root out many Heresies sprung up amongst the late Converted Christians, and to reform many Vices and unlawful Customs; and that the Heresie most op­pos'd by him in the Northern parts of Britain, was Pelagianism: What is there said of his going over to Little Britain in his old Age, and his being buried in the Church of Vannes, contradicts our British Authors; but it is pro­bable, that when the Saxons infested our Western Provinces, his Sacred Relicks might be translated, and repos'd in the great Church of Vannes, where he is to this day Venerated as Patron of that City. Many mistakes have fallen out by consounding this St. Gildas, with two others, one Con­fessor and Abbot of Bangor, and another the Historian Sirnam'd Badonicus: Howbeit the precise Territory where this Gildas Albanius was born, may be collected out of Antient Manuscripts quoted by Bishop Ʋsher, which relate, That the Blessed St. Gildas was born in the most fruitful Region call'd Arecluta, His Fathers name was Caun, a most Noble and Catholick person: This Region Arecluta, a part of Britain, took its Name from the River Clut, by which the greatest part thereof is Water'd, and is now call'd Argyle, Argathelia: And Clut before that Glotea, and Cluida was Northward, the bounds of the British Provinces under the Roman jurisdiction, beyond which liv'd the Cale­donians, &c.

In the sixth year after the Battle where Ʋther was slain, new Supplies came out of Germany to the Saxons. For Stuff and Whitgar Nephews of Cerdic landed with three Ships at Certic-shore: The Britains early in the morning in very good order rang'd their Armies against them. The Sun then arising, cast its beams upon the British Armour, and reflecting thence, partly from the Mountains, and partly from the Valleys below, struck a great Terrour into the Saxons; But when they came to Fight, the Britains were quickly defeated, because God despis'd them: By this Victory the Saxons gain'd a great extent of Land, and Cerdic became so Terrible, that he march'd whither he pleas'd without controll.

The year following, Ella King of the South-Saxons dying, his Son Cissa succeeded; whilst Ella liv'd, though his Territories were narrow, yet was he for his Courage esteem'd the most potent of all the Saxon Princes; in­somuch as the Princes, Nobles and Military Officers of the Angli had a great dependance on him: But this lasted not long, for it was shortly after transferr'd on Cerdic the West-Saxon, whose Kingdom, though not yet be­gun, yet had its foundation from this Victory: Cissa being of a milder Spirit, contented himself with his own little Kingdom, without extend­ing his Power further. He imploy'd his time in exercises of Peace, espe­cially Building and Fortifying of Cities: In two of which he left the me­mory of his own Name Chichester and Cisbury, as our Cambden relates, adding, That this Cissa, with his Father Ella and Brother Cimen, landed in a Port of that Province, call'd therefore Cimenshore.

The year wherein Cerdic obtain'd the last mention'd Victory, is famous for the Birth of the renown'd British Bishop St. Kontigern; the strangeness of which, since it is Celebrated by many Antient Writers, is not here to be omitted. His Mother is said to be Thenis the Daughter of Loth King of Pictland, and Anna the Daughter of Ʋterpendragon, and consequently he was the Nephew of King Arthur. Who was the Father of St. Kentigern is not certainly known, some suppose him to be Eugenius the Third King of the Scots. John of Tinmouth an Antient Historian thus relates his Ori­ginal, A certain King in the Northern parts of Britain, who was a Pagan, begot of his Wife a very Beautiful Daughter; she having been a frequent hearer of Sermons preach'd by the Servants of God, obtain'd the Grace to be­lieve his Truth, and renounce the Worshiping of Idols; and though she had not yet been Purified with the Sacrament of Baptism; yet she was diligent in observing Gods Commandments with an Humble and Devout mind, being much given to Prayer and Alms-giving, and other Duties of Ecclesiastical Discipline, as much as the fear of offending her Father would permit. She bore so great a Devotion to the fruitful Virginity and Integrity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that mov'd with a Womanish presumption, she beg'd of our Lord that she might in some measure imitate her in her Conception and Birth: At length, as she thought, she obtain'd her desire, for she found her self with Child. Now it is not to be conceiv'd that this happ'ned without the Em­braces of a man; notwithstanding who this man was, or in what manner, and when this was done, she oft Protested, and with Oaths confirm'd it, that she was utterly ignorant. Her Father perceiving this, and not being able either by fair Speeches or Threatnings to wrest from her, who was the Fa­ther of the Child; for she seriously Protested, that she had never suffer'd the un­lawful Embraces of any man: Hereupon in a great rage determin'd to execute upon her the Law of the Country; which was, That whatsoever young Maid [Page 134]should be found with Child by Fornication in her Fathers House, should be thrown Head-long from the top of a high Mountain, and the person who corrupted her should loose his Head: In conformity to this Law, the young Woman was placed on the highest part of a mountain in that Country call'd Dunpelder, from thence to be thrown down and torn in pieces: She therefore with deep Sighs, looking up to Heaven, implor'd the Mercy and Help of her Redeemer with many Tears; after this she was cast down, but by the fall was neither bruis'd, nor receiv'd the least harm, but sliding down easily and slowly, came safe to the bottom: The Pagans there present, ascrib'd this deliverance to the Magical Inchantments of the Christians, and therefore with the Kings Consent, they carried her several Miles into the Sea, and there left her in a small Boat made of Leather without any Oares, and destitute of all Humane help: But it seems he who commands the Winds and the Seas was her Pro­tector; for by his Power the Boat was carried straight to a far distant Haven, with greater swiftness then either Oares or Sails could have driven her. Be­ing there arriv'd, the young Lady soon after at a place call'd Collenros, was deliver'd without the assistance of a Midwife, of a Son: This Collenros pro­bably is the same which St. Bede calls Coludi, and Ptolomy Colania in the Province of Louden: The next morning St. Servanus came to the place, and seeing the desolate Mother with her Infant, said, My Beloved Child, Blessed art thou who art come in the Name of the Lord: He took them into his care, nourish'd and Baptiz'd them, calling the Mother Thanen, and the Child Kentigern, that is, Cheif-Lord. The Child being of a towardly Disposi­tion, profited, much in Learning and Virtue, and was Belov'd of St. Ser­vanus beyond all his Companions, and call'd Munhu, as he is still nam'd a­mong the Scots: So as they who affirm his Birth to have been at St. Asaph in Flintshire, are much mistaken; which mistake perhaps ariseth from his being afterwards Bishop there. However, after 25 years, we shall find him Consecrated Bishop of Glasco, and then more is to be said of him.

The continual Troubles rais'd by the Saxons, would not permit King Arthur to Solemnize his Coronation, 'till eight years after his Fathers death: But in the year of Grace 516. the Ceremony was Magnificently perform'd in a General Assembly of Bishops and Nobles at Caerleon; St. Dubritius Bishop of that City setting the Crown on his Head. After which the Holy Bishop retir'd into a certain Island in Northwales call'd by the Britains Enhly, and by the English Berdsey, which Island (saith Cambden) Was inhabited by so many Saints, that beside Dubritius and Merlin the Cale­donian no fewer then 20000 Holy men were Buried there, as Records inform us. Concerning this Island (saith Bishop Ʋsher) It was call'd by the Britains, The Rome of Britain; for the distance of it, the difficulty of Passage, the Sanctity and Security of it, since 20000 Saints are there Venerated as Martyrs, and since it is on all sides encompass'd with the Sea. By which may be col­lected what esteem the Britains then had of Rome, and what agreement in Religion there was between them.

At this time the Saxons invited more of their Country-men out of Ger­many: And under the conduct of Colgrin, they subdu'd all that part of Britain, which lyes from Humber to the Sea of Cathanes; whereof, when King Arthur was inform'd, he march'd with an Army towards York, which was then held by the Saxons. Colgrin met him with a great mul­titude near the River Duglas in Lancashire; but coming to a Battle, Colgrin [Page 135]was put to flight, and pursu'd by King Arthur to York. Baldulph the Bro­ther of Colgrin at that time lay with some Forces toward the Sea, expect­ing the coming of the Saxons. He intended to make an Irruption by night into King Arthur's Army; but the King being admonish'd thereof by Spies, sent Cador Duke of Cornwall with 600 Horse, and 3000 Foot, to intercept the Saxons; which Forces setting on the Saxons unexpectedly, kill'd a great number of them, and put the rest to flight. King Arthur closely Be­sieg'd York; during which Siege, a famous German Captain call'd Chel­dric arriv'd in Albania with 700 Boats. These great succours frighted the Britains from their Siege, so as the King retir'd with his Army to London, from whence he sent Messengers to his Nephew Hoel King of Little-Bri­tain, to inform him of the Calamity of this Island. Hoel to succour his Uncle, landed shortly after with 15000 men at the Haven of Hamon, where he was with great Joy and Honour receiv'd by King Arthur: En­courag'd with these new Forces, he obtain'd the next year two famous Victories against the Saxons; the former near the River Bassas, the latter in the Wood Chelidon, both in Lincolnshire, near Lincoln the chief City. No fewer then 6000 of the Saxons were slain, the rest fled into the Wood or Forrest of Caledon, and were pursu'd by King Arthur, and there Im­mur'd by great Trees cut down, and laid athwart, so as they were there­by reduc'd to such extream Famine, that they beg'd leave to depart the Realm, leaving all their Spoils behind them: By this Exploit the Saxons were driven out of the middle part of Britain: Howbeit in the Western part they so prevail'd, that Cerdicus there establish'd a Kingdom.

Another Victory this Heroick King is said to have obtain'd, though the time be not mention'd, against these Barbarous Enemies near the Castle call'd Guinnion. In which Battle the King carried upon his Shoulders the Image of the Blessed Virgin-mother of God, and all that day by the Vir­tue and Power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and St. Mary his Mother, com­pell'd the Saxons to fly, after many had perish'd with a great slaughter; the succeeding Exploits of this King follow after.

Whilst most of the Provinces of that part of Britain, which is since call'd England, were thus miserably disquieted, the parts thereof since call'd Wales, enjoy'd good repose, and were made Illustrious by great numbers of Saints, who flourish'd there; as St. Dubritius, St. Sampson, St. David, St. Thelian, St. Kined, St. Paternus, St. Daniel, St. Justinian and others, some of these have been already mention'd, and more of their Gests will follow: As for St. Daniel, he is reported by Bishop Ʋsher, to have built a Colledge or Monastery of the Apostolick Order for the Sacred Exercises of Learned and Pious men in Arvonia, the Country of the Venedati, not far from the streight where men pass into the Isle of Anglesey out of Wales: Which Colledge, was by the Founder call'd the Port or Haven; It was built in the year of our Lord 516. In the same place, not long after Malgo Conan built a City, which for the Beautiful Scituation of it, he call'd Ban­cor or Bangor; after it was the seat of a Bishop, wherein this St. Daniel was the first who sate: So that Bishop Goodwin is mistaken, in affirming, that no Bishop had been there before the Norman Conquest. This City of Bangor was a place distinct from the famous Monastery of that Name: There was indeed a Monastery in both places; but this was seated in Ar­vonia, now Caernarvan, upon the River Menai, dividing it from Anglesey, whereas the other was in Flintshire. This was Erected by St. Daniel, that [Page 136]was extant long before, in the Infancy of Christianity under King Lucius, as hath been shewn: In both of them there liv'd Monks Apostolici Ordinis, because in imitation of the Apostles they practic'd self Abnegation, and a renouncing of Temporal Possessions. This Holy man Daniel was joyn'd with St. Dubritius and St. David in confuting and condemning the Pela­gian Heresie, for which purpose he was present in the Synod of Brevi; he dy'd in the year of Grace 544. in which year also St. David dy'd, and he was bury'd in the Isle of Berdsey, call'd to this day in the Welsh Tongue Yrugan mil Saint. There was at this time two other Saints, who Illu­strated Britain with their Miracles and Sanctity, St. Justinian and St. Pa­tern; the first took his Original from a Noble Family in Little Britain, where, having spent his Youth in Learning, he receiv'd the Order of Priest­hood, and by Divine Oracle was commanded to forsake his Country: Whereupon with certain Companions he adventur'd to Sea in a Boat co­ver'd with Leather, Praying earnestly to God, That he would so direct their course, that they might come to a Solitude, Commodious for the Exercise of a Spiritual Life: At length they landed in a Province call'd Cormer, where they abode a certain time; in which many repair'd to the Holy man, to partake of his Instructions: Not long after he receiv'd a second Command from God to relinquish that place. Thereupon entring his Boat, and com­mitting himself to the Sea and Winds, he landed in an Island, then call'd Lemeney, in which Honorius a Devout Son of King Thefrianc then liv'd a Mortify'd Holy Life, having preferr'd Poverty, and a free Attendance up­on God, before all Worldly Conveniences: By him St. Justinian was re­ceiv'd with all Benignity, and offer'd the same Mansion, wherein he might without distraction, gain Souls to our Lord: But this offer St. Justinian would not accept, but upon condition that the Sister of St. Honorius and a Maid attending on her, might no longer abide in the same Island: This scrupulousness was derided by some Mis-believers, but comply'd with by St. Honorius, who sent his Sister to another place, that he might enjoy the Instruction and Conversation of the Holy man: After this many repair'd to him to be Instructed in the Christian Faith and Piety, who return'd suf­ficiently Enlightn'd; both to find the way of Salvation themselves, and to teach it to others. Now when the fame of so great a Saint came to the knowledge of St. David; He sent for him, and receiv'd him with great Honour, making choice of him for his Confessor, and under God the chief Director of his Soul, and granted to him and his Brethren convenient Mansi­ons, both in the Island and adjoyning Continent, such as they themselves had chosen: It is said the malice and envy of the Devil interrupted and di­sturb'd the Devout and Mortify'd Life of this Holy man by frequent Illu­sions, and suggesting scandalous Lies concerning him; But in the end the Enemy of Manking finding himself vanquish'd by the Saint, and that nei­ther by violent Assaults, nor by malicious Suggestions, he could withdraw him from the Service of God; he attempted other guileful Arts and Machi­nations, by infusing the Poison of his Malice into the Hearts of three of the Holy mans Servants; for they being reprov'd by him for their Idleness, were soon inflam'd with fury against him; insomuch, as rushing all upon him, they threw him to the ground, and cruelly cut off his Head: Where the Sacred Head fell, a Fountain of pure Water presently flow'd, by Drinking of which in following times, many have been Miraculously re­stor'd to Health: But in truth greater Miracles succeeded his Death, for [Page 137]it is constantly affirm'd, That the Body of the Blessed Martyr presently arose, and taking the Head between the two Arms, went down to the Sea-shore, and walking thence on the Sea, pass'd over to the Port call'd by his Name; and be­ing arriv'd at a place where a Church is now built to his memory, it fell down, and was there bury'd by St. David with Spiritual Hymns and Canticles: In which Church our Lord hath frequently vouchsafed to attest the Sanctity of his Servant by many Miracles. The name of this Island now is Ramsey, it lies in sight of Menevia, the Episcopal seat of St. David, and opposite to it. And it is affirm'd by Cambden, To be famous for the death of of a Holy man call'd Justinian, who coming from Little Britain, liv'd a Solitary Life, but was at last Murdered by his Servants, and inscrib'd in the Catalogue of Martyrs.

The Sanctity of St. Dubritius and St. David, &c. Drew into Britain from Foreign parts also St. Paternus a Devout young man, in the year of Grace 516. (saith Bishop Ʋsher) together with 847 Monks which accom­pany'd him. These fixed themselves in a place call'd Mauritania, where St. Patern built a Church and Monastery, in which he plac'd the Monks under a Provost and Dean: The Name Mauritania seems to be a mistake, for the Church within the Province of the Dimetae or West-Wales, was Dedicated to the Honour of St. Paternus; after the Pronunciation of the Britains, is call'd Llan Patern Maur, from which last word, Mauritania may creep in: The Monastery here built by St. Paternus, sent abroad many Colonies of Religious Persons into the Province Ceretica, now Car­diganshire: As for the Church he call'd Mauritania or Llan Patern Maur, it was an Episcopal See, wherein St. Paternus himself first sate, whose me­mory, both as an Abbot and a Bishop, hath been long since Celebrated by a famous Poet Venantius Fortunatus: After 21 years spent by St. Paternus in governing this See, from him call'd Paternensis; He was by Prince Ca­radoc, re-call'd into his Native Country Little Britain, and made Bishop of Vannes, having left in his former Bishoprick Kinock his Successor: There was also another St. Paternus a Bishop in France, many of whose Gests have been ascrib'd to the former, so as some doubt is made which of those subscrib'd the Synod of Paris, assembled in the year of Grace 569.

About this time dy'd St. Darerca Sister of St. Patrick, and born in Britain, from whence she repair'd to her Brother in Ireland; she was also called Monynni, and by some confounded with St. Moduenna, of whom more hereafter. St. Darerca was a Married Woman, and by two Hus­bands enrich'd the Church with a numerous and Holy off-spring; by her Husband Conis, she is said to have brought forth three Children, Mel, Rioch and Menni, all which accompanied St. Patrick in his Journeys and Preaching, and were in several places exalted to the Episcopal Function: Of St. Rioch we read, That he was by Nation a Britain, near Kinsman to the Holy Bishop St. Patrick; and a Deacon when he attended him into Ireland, and that in Beauty and Comliness of Body, he excell'd all others of that Nation. But the Beauty of his Soul was much more valuable: He seems to have been Ordain'd Bishop by St. Patrick, and to have fix'd his seat in a small Island, which according to St. Bede is scituated at some distance from the Western Coasts of Ireland, and is call'd the Isle of Whitecalfe; where St. Coleman afterwards built a Monastery, and is promiscuously Inhabited by English and Scots: St. Dererca had many other Sons famous for their Sanctity, but we shall now take notice only of two more Illustrious then [Page 138]the rest; the first Sechnallus, in Latin, Secundinus, who wrote the Alpha­betical Hymn in Praise of St. Patrick. The others name was Auxilius, who was by St. Patrick ordain'd Bishop of Leimster (Laginensium) and after many Miracles wrought by him, ended his Holy Life in Cealusalli, his own City, seated in the Plaines of Leimster.

In the year of Grace 519. a British Synod was assembled; upon this oc­casion. The detestable Heresie of the Pelagians extinguish'd by St. Ger­manus and St. Lupus, began to Spring again, to the hazard of the Catholick Faith. The Bishops and Abbots of Cambria met in Cardiganshire, divers Noble-men and other Lay-persons were present out of the whole Country; many Sermons and Exhortations were made in the publick Audience to confute the said Heresie: Howbeit, the People were generally so infected therewith, that no reasons or perswasions could prevail with them to re­turn into the Path of Right Faith: At length therefore Paulin, a Bishop with whom St. David in his youth had been Educated, earnestly perswa­ded the Fathers to send for St. David in the Name of the Synod, who was lately Consecrated Bishop by the Patriarch, and was a Discreet and Eloquent man, to afford his assistance to Gods Church now in great danger, but could not prevail with him to forsake his Contemplations, until at last two Holy men, Daniel and Dubritius by their Authority brought him with them to the Synod. And then all the Fathers there Assembled, enjoyn'd St. David to Preach. He commanded a Child, which had lately been re­stor'd to Life by him, to spread a Napkin under his feet, and standing up­on it, he began to expound the Gospel and the Law to the Auditory: All the while he continued his Oration, a Snow-white Dove descending from Heaven, sate upon his Shoulders, and the Earth on which he stood, rais'd it self under him, 'till it became a Hill, from whence his Voice like a Trumpet was clearly heard and understood by all both far and near: On the top of which Hill a Church was afterwards built, which remains to this day: When the Sermon was finish'd, so Powerfully did Divine Grace Co­operate; that the Heresie soon vanish'd and was extinguish'd: And the Holy Bishop St. David, by the general Election and Acclamation both of Clergy and People, was exalted to be the Arch-bishop of all Cambria. By the Confusions of those times, the Decrees of this and other Synods are un­happily lost; by which we might have been inform'd of the State of the then British Church; yet something of it may be collected out of the Au­thor of St. David's Life, who tells us, That Heresie being thus expell'd, all the Churches of Britain, receiv'd their Order and Rule, from the Authority of the Roman Church; By which we may see the mistake of some Mo­dern Writers, who will needs affirm that the British Church before the Conversion of the Saxons, in their Faith and Discipline, were squar'd after the Model of the Eastern Church. This Synod Spelman calls Panbritani­cum; and soon after it, Monasteries were built in several places, and this Holy Bishop St. David became the chief Protector of them, and withall a Preacher of such esteem, that all men receiv'd a Rule and Form of Holy living from him. This expedient the Holy Spirit suggested to the Antient Fathers, namely the Building of Monasteries, thereby to promote and for­tifie the Catholick Faith; for out of them still proceeded some to instruct Believers in Faith and Holiness of Life. But another Spirit suggested Dio­clesian, the Infidel Saxons, and some Zealots of late days, to destroy Mo­nasteries, as a sure means to destroy Faith and Holiness also. It may not [Page 139]here be unprofitable to describe the form of a Monastick Life instituted by St. David; who having built a Monastery near Menevia, in a place call'd Rosma, or the Rosey Valley, gave this strict Rule of Monastical Profes­sion, That every Monk should labour daily with his Hands for the common good of the Monastery. For Idleness corrupts the Thoughts and Minds of men. The Monks there were not to take Gifts or Possessions from unjust persons, and detested Riches; they had no care to ease their Labours by use of Oxen or Cattle, for every one to himself and his Brethren was instead of Riches and Oxen. They never convers'd together by talking, but when necessity requir'd, but each one perform'd the labour enjoyn'd him, joyning thereto Prayer or Holy Medita­tions on Divine things. And having finish'd their Country work, they return'd to the Monastery, where they spent the remainder of the day till Even, in Read­ing or Writing: At Even upon the sounding of a Bell, they all left their work and repair'd to Church, where they remain'd 'till the Stars appear'd, and then went all together to their Refection, eating sparingly, and not to satiety; their Food was Bread, with Roots or Herbs season'd with Salt, and they quench'd their Thirst mith a mixture of Water and Milk: Supper being ended, they conti­nued three hours in Watching, Prayers and Genu-flexions. As long as they were in the Church, it was not permitted to any to Slumber, Sneeze or Spit. After this they went to their Rest, and at Cock-crowing, they rose and continu'd at Prayers 'till day appear'd. All their inward temptations and thoughts they dis­cover'd to their Superior, and from him they demanded permission in all things, even when they were urg'd to the necessities of Nature. Their Cloathing was of the Skins of Beasts: Whosoever desir'd to joyn himself in their Holy Conver­sation, he was oblig'd to remain 10 days at the door of the Monastery as a Re­probate, unworthy to be admitted into their Society, and there be expos'd to Op­probious scorns: But if all that time he Patiently suffer'd all Mortifications, he was receiv'd by the Religious Senior, who had care of the Gate, whom he serv'd, and by whom he was instructed; in which condition he remain'd a long time, exercis'd in painful Labours, and grievous Mortifications; and so at last was admitted to the Fellowship of the Brethren. Cambden makes mention of this Synod, saying, Llandevibrevi, or the Church of St. David near the Ri­ver Brevi, was built in memory of St. David Bishop of Menevia, in the place where He, during the sitting of a full Synod, confuted and repress'd the Pelagian Heresie reviving in Britain, by the Holy Scriptures and, Miracles; For, as the Fame is, the Earth on which he Preach'd, swell'd up under his feet till it became a Hill. This Synod it seems was celebrated, not in House or Town, but in the open Fields, as afterwards St. Augustine the Monk held a Councel in a place, from thence call'd Augustine's Oak; and as Antiently Theo­philus Assembled a Synod in the Cause of Athanasius, in a place call'd, Ad Quercum, at the Oak. Now whereas in this Synod were Assembled many great Saints and Holy Bishops, the Lights of the British Churches, as St. Dubritius, St. Daniel, St. David, St. Telian, and St. Paulin, of whom some mention hath been made already, it will not be amiss, here to subjoyn a summary of their respective Gests; least if they should be set down par­ticularly, there would be such intermixture as might perhaps confound the Readers memory, especially considering the wonderful length of time which most of them liv'd. Concerning St. Daniel, enough hath been said. We shall here begin with St. Dubritius, who was born in the Province of the Demetae, or West-wales, Sir-nam'd he was Guainius, from the River Guain, near which he was born; his Fathers Name is not mention'd, but [Page 140]his Mother was call'd Euedyla, a Woman of wonderful Virtue and Piety; during his Childhood, he was committed to the care of Teachers, to be instructed in Learning suitable to that Age: In his riper years he made such Progress in Science, that very many, not only among the Ignorant, but the more skilful also, repair'd to him for Instructions. Amongst which were St. Thelian, St Sampson, St. Aidan, and others: He made choice of a place near the River Vaga, proper to receive the great number of Scholars, which came to him; and there directed their Studies. In the same place having built a Church by the direction of an Angel, he there taught the People, and by imposing his Hands, Cur'd frequently the Sick of divers In­firmities; so that they which came to him Feeble, and full of Anguish, re­turn'd Joyful, and in Perfect Health: He was taken from his Imployment of Teaching by St. German in his second Voyage to Britain, and with the consent of King Mauricus and all the Clergy, Consecrated Bishop of Llan­daff, as hath been said in the year of Grace 436. by which account, since he out-liv'd the said Synod of Brevi; it is plain, the length of his Life was wonderful, for at that time he had been a Bishop more then 80 years.

In the year 492. Aurelius Ambrosius coming to the Mountains of Ambri, near to Caer Carec, now Salisbury, where the British Princes Trayterously Murder'd by Hengist, lay, appointed Pastors to two Metropolitan Churches, granting York to the Illustrious St. Sampson, and Caerleon to Dubritius, the latter vacant by the Death of Threminius; Geoffry of Monmouth adds, That he was Primate of Britain, and Legate of the Apostolick See; Which Digni­ty it seems was annexed to that Church by St. German, from the Autho­rity, which in his Mission hither he receiv'd from Rome. In the year 516 He Solemnly Crown'd King Arthur; after which being very Aged, as hath been said, he relinquish'd his See, and retir'd into the Isle of Berdsey to prepare for his Death; from which repose notwithstanding, his Zeal to the Catholick Faith, drew him to the Synod of Brevy, St. David being his Successor as aforesaid: Three years after, full of Sanctity and Age, he gave up his Soul into the Hands of his Creatour, in the said Isle of Berd­sey, where, among a multitude of Saints, he chose his place of Burial, and there his Sacred Body repos'd, until the year of Grace 1120. at which time it was translated from thence with great Honour by Ʋrbanus Bishop of Landaff, and bury'd in the Cathedral Church on the North-side of the Altar of our Blessed Lady: At which time the whole Country of Glamorgan was afflicted with a great Drougth, no Rain having there fallen for many Weeks; but when these Holy Relicks were translated, great store of Rain sell, to the comfort of the Inhabitants.

One of the most Illustrious Disciples of St. Dubritius was St. Thelian, descended of a Noble British Family, what-ever the Centuriatours of Mag­deburg have malignantly wrote of him. From his Infancy he was addicted to Devotion, Prayer, and contempt of Secular Pleasures; and being come to his riper Age, he was for his Wisdom and Piety Sir-nam'd Helias, be­cause with his Doctrine he Enlightn'd the Hearts of the Faithful, as the Sun doth the World. He was instructed in the Holy Scriptures by St. Du­britius, 'till he was enabled to clear the most difficult places therein. Then having heard the fame of a certain wise man call'd Paulinus, he went to him to confer with him of the most abstruse Misteries of Gods Word; by this means he contracted Friendship with St. David, a man of great Per­fection in Sanctity; insomuch as their Hearts were so firmly knit together [Page 141]by Charity and the Grace of Gods Holy Spirit, that in all things they had but one Will: When St. Dubritius was translated from Landaff to the Metropolitan Church of Caerleon, St. Thalian succeeded him in Landaff, wherein he sate many years; For, it is said, he dy'd not until the coming of St. Augustine into Britain, by whom his Successor St. Oudoceus was Con­secrated: When a certain Infection, call'd the Yellow Plague infested Britain, raging against Men and Beasts, by Divine Admonition he depar­ted into a far Country, accompany'd with many Disciples, where he abode, 'till by the same Authority he was re-call'd: Neither did he cease day or night by daily Prayer and Fasting to Pacifie Gods Wrath; and then ga­thering together all his Devout Companions, return'd; and all his Life after exercis'd Supreme Jurisdiction over all the Churches in the Western Britain: He dy'd at last, being replenish'd with all Virtues in a good Old Age. Many Miracles are recorded to be done by him, both before and after his Death: One of them only which Bishop Godwin thought not fit to pass over, is this, After he was dead, the Inhabitants of three several places contended earnestly, which of them should enjoy his Body: Those of Penualum, where his Ancestors had been Buried, those of Lantelio vaur where he dy'd; and those of Landaff among whom he had been Bishop. When therefore no agreement could be made amongst them, there appear'd presently three Bodies, so like to one another, that three Eggs resemble not more perfectly: Whereupon each of those People took one of them, and so ended the Controversy: But by frequent Miracles at his Tomb in Landaff, it appear'd that the Inhabitants thereof possess'd the true Body.

Now whereas mention is made of Paulinus, said to be Instructer to Thelian, and who sent for St. David to the Synod of Brevi: His true Name seems to be Paulens, of whom we find it thus written, That St. Da­vid, as soon as he was promoted to Priesthood, went to Paulens a Disciple of St. German; and that in a certain Island he led a Holy Life acceptable to God, and that St. David liv'd with him many years, and follow'd his In­structions. Paulens at last by extream pains in his Eyes, lost the use of them: Whereupon calling his Disciples together, he desir'd that one after another, they would look upon his Eyes, and say a Prayer or Benediction on them: But re­ceiving no benefit thereby, David said to him, Father command me not to look you in the face, for ten years are past since I studied the Scriptures with you, and in all that time I never had the boldness to look you in the face; Paulens admiring his Humility, said, Since it is so, it will suffice, if by touching mine Eyes thou pronounce a Benediction on them; Presently therefore, as soon as he had touch'd them, Sight was restor'd to them.

The same year wherein the Synod of Brevi was Celebrated, Cerdic be­gan the Kingdom of the West-Saxons, That is (saith Huntingdon) in the seventy first year after the first coming of the Saxons, in the reign of the Empe­rour Justin the Elder. This Cerdic is said to be Crown'd with Pagan Ce­remonies at Winchester, in a place which once had been the Church of the true God, but which these Barbarous Heathens had chang'd into a Temple of Dagon, after they had slain all the Monks who serv'd God there. The raising of this new Kingdom, disproves the Fictions of Geffrey of Mon­mouth, concerning the great and frequent Victories of King Arthur in these days. It is likely to be more true, which Huntingdon expresly declares, namely, That this year a terrible Battle was fought between Cerdic and the Britains, and that on both sides the Captains Fought Magnanimously till Even; [Page 142]but then the Saxons got the Victory, which would have been more Bloody to the Britains, had not the darkness hind'red the Pursuit: After this the Fame of Cerdic and his Son Kenric was largely spread through the whole land; and from that day began the Kingdom of the West-Saxons, which having swallow'd all the other Principalities, remains to our times. Many Battles are said to have been Fought between King Arthur and this Cerdic, where­in, sometimes one, sometimes the other had the better; But at last King Arthur grew weary, and contenting himself with an Oath of Fidelity from Cerdic, gave him the Provinces of Hampshire and Somerset. Some Authors affirm a League to have been made between them, wherein a special Pri­viledge was provided for Cornwall to be permitted upon an Annual Tri­bute, the free exercise of Christian Religion: Which Indulgence seems to be prov'd by the great number of Saints, which in those and the fol­lowing times flourish'd in that Province; whereas scarce any can be found in other parts of Britain subject to the Saxons: And in truth it is very like that great multitudes of Britains flying from the fury of the Saxons, be­took themselves to Cornwal and Wales, as places most distant and more defenceable, and where they might expect better Conditions, and more advantage of resisting their new Masters, then in other parts; for no doubt this Kingdom of the West-Saxons was made up of more Provinces than Hampshire or Somerset, so that Cerdic had good footing in Devonshire, Dor­setshire, Barkshire and Wiltshire, to which shortly after was added the Isle of Wight, bestow'd by Cerdic on his late arriv'd Kinsmen Stuffa and Whit­gar, who destroy'd the British Inhabitants there at Whitgarburg, so call'd from Whitgar, but now contractedly Caresburg. While Cerdic was busie in establishing his new Kingdom, in the year 520. Colgrin, Baldulf and Cheldric, whom King Arthur had lately subdu'd at York, and forc'd to abjure the land; returning, landed at Totness, from whence passing through Cerdic's Dominions, they came to the City of Bath and Besieg'd it. King Arthur hearing thereof, caus'd the Hostages which they had left to be Hang'd; and gathering a mighty Army, came to raise the Seige; where the Armies being joyn'd, he calling on the Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose Image he wore over his Armour, slew great numbers of his Enemies, and amongst the rest, Colgrin and his Brother Baldulf, which Cheldric perceiving, fled, and was pursu'd by Cador the Duke of Cornwall to the Isle of Thanet, and there slain by him, the rest being forc'd to yield. King Arthur, as may be remembred, obtain'd a Battle before he was King near Bath at the Mountain Badonicus; now this is likely to be another de­feat given by King Arthur to the Saxons, and the City of Bath being in the utmost extremity West-ward of Cerdic's Kingdom, it might at this time have been in the possession of the Britains. As for King Arthur's invoking the assistance of our Blessed Lady in the Fight, it was a Devotion general­ly practic'd by the Church in this Age. For two years before, there ha­ving been Assembled two Councels in the East, one at Jerusalem, and the other at Constantinople, the Synod at Jerusalem wrote to the Bishops of the other Councel thus, We beseech you most Holy Bishops, to Pray with us to our Lord for these things, for the Necessities of Gods Priests ought to be common; make your Supplications likewise with us to the most Holy and Glori­ous Virgin Mary, Mother of God, that she would intercede for the Peace of the Catholick Church, and for the Victory and long Life of our most Excellent and Pious Emperour; The like practice we find else-where, of which many [Page 143]Examples may be given: The next year King Arthur was call'd into the Northern parts to assist Prince Howel, who three years before was come out of Little Britain to his Aid, and was now Besieg'd by the Picts and Scots in the City call'd Acluid, wherein he lay Sick. Upon King Arthur's approach, the Enemies retir'd to a place call'd Mureif whither he pursu'd them; but they escaping by night, fled to a Lake call'd Lumoney: Where­upon King Arthur gathering many Ships together, encompass'd the Island, and in 15 days brought them to such extreme Famine, that many thousands of them Perish'd: In which utmost danger the Bishops of that Region came Barefoot to the King with Tears, beseeching him, To take pitty of that miserable People, and to give them some small portion of that Country, to inhabit under the yoak of perpetual Servitude. The King thus mollify'd with the Tears of the Bishops, pardon'd his Enemies, and granted their request; Hence it is, that some Writers ground the subjection of Scotland to the Crown of Brittain, and particularly Walsingham; but certainly better grounds may be found of it than this. Whereas it is said, that certain Pictish and Scotish Bishops were Supplicants to this King for their Distress'd Countrymen; it hath been already demonstrated that the Province of the Picts, where the City of Acluid is seated, had many years before receiv'd the Christian Faith by the Preaching of St. Ninianus; but who were his Successors is hard to conjecture. In the Annals of Ireland, mention is made of a certain Bishop call'd Nennion, who is said to have flourish'd in Britain about the year 520. and to have had his seat in a place call'd the great Mo­nastery: This man probably was the Successor of St. Ninianus, and that great Monastery the same with Candida Casa, where the Monument of that Apostolick Bishop was, which by reason of frequent Miracles wrought there, invited great numbers of Devout men to embrace a Caeno­bitical Life: Of this Bishop Nennion we read in the Life of St. Finanus, That he having been in his Childhood instructed by St. Coleman, was after­ward recommended to the care of Nennion, when he came into Ireland, and return'd with Nennion into Scotland, and there Learn'd of him the Rules of a Monastical Life at his See, call'd the great Monastery. Finanus there also studied the Holy Scriptures, and by invoking the Name of Christ, is said to have wrought many Miracles. And having been thus instructed by Nennion, he took a Journey to the See Apostolick, there to supply his de­fects in saving knowledge; seven years he continu'd at Rome, daily ad­vancing in Sacred Science, and then ascended to the degree of Priesthood. This Nennion in probability, was one of those who interceded with King Arthur, and about the same time that St. Finanus liv'd under his Dis­cipline.

I shall pass by the Death of Guenevera King Arthur's Wife, and his se­cond Marriage with great Solemnities at the sametime, with the Prodigious Victories ascrib'd to him by some of our Writers in Forreign parts, and proceed to other transactions more probable occurring in his time.

In the year 527. two new Kingdoms were Erected in Britain, without any disturbance from King Arthur, in the Eastern Provinces of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, the Kingdom of the East-Angles was Establish'd, and in Midlesex and Essex the Kingdom of the East-Saxons: Which of these Kingdoms were first Erected, is uncertain; but both without doubt much about the same time. The first King of the East-Saxons, is believ'd to be Erkenwin the Son of Offa, and the Kingdom of the East-Angles, is thought [Page 144]to begin under Ʋffa, from whom the succeeding Kings were Antiently call'd Ʋffings: The year following the Isle of Wight, by the Britains call'd Guith, which signifies a divorce or renting asunder, and by the Saxons Witland, was Conquer'd by King Cerdic, and given to his Nephews Stuffa and Whitgar: But while Cerdic busied himself about the Invasion of the Isle of Wight, St. David Bishop of Menevia Assembled a Provincial Synod, call'd the Synod of Victory, wherein all the Clergy of Wales or Cambria met together, and confirm'd the former Decrees of the Synod of Brevy, and added new ones for the Churches benefit; from which two Synods all the Churches of Cambria receiv'd their Ecclesiastical Orders, which also were confirm'd by the Authority of the Roman Church: These Decrees were committed to Writing with his own hand, and reserv'd in his own Church, the Copies thereof being communicated to other Churches in that Province, all which with many other Treasures of that Noble Library furnish'd by him, have been lost, partly by Age and Negligence, but principally by the Incursions of Pirats, who, from the Isles of Orkney, every Summer us'd to waste the Sea-Coasts of Cambria: This loss indeed is to be deplor'd, since by those Records we might have perfectly understood the state of the British Churches: However, we are assur'd that those Churches were regulated according to the Roman, and practic'd the same both in Doctrine and Dis­cipline, and consequently, that St. Augustine sent after to Convert the Sax­ons, brought no Novelties with him, since St. Gregory who sent him, was exalted to St. Peter's Chair, not above 60 years after this Synod. It is written in the Life of St. Kined, That when St. David had publish'd his Edicts for assembling this Ʋniversal Councel of Cambria, he humbly invited St. Kined to it; who excus'd his not coming, in regard, that for his sins, he was become distorted and crooked in his Body; and was besides unable to under­take such a Journey: Whereupon it is said, that St. Kined by the Prayers of St. David, was restor'd to Heath and straightness; and by his own Prayers reduc'd again to his Infirmity and Crookedness. Whether this were so or no, certain it is, that this St. Kined fill'd Britain with the fame of his Sanctity: He liv'd a Solitary Anachoretical Life in the Province now call'd Glamorganshire; probably in the same place where yet remains a Chappel, call'd St. Keneth's Chappel, left as a Monument of his Sanctity, as Cambden witnesses. The Celebrating this Synod, is the last publick Action we find recorded of St. David. He would not accept of Metropolitical Jurisdiction, but upon condition, that he might transfer the See from Caerleon to Menevia, a place of Remoteness and Solitude; and in the Neighbourhood of many Saints and Religious Persons in the Islands and Territory adjoyning, and there­fore most acceptable to him: Which Translation was approv'd by King Arthur and the Synod not then dissolv'd: This Menevia is seated in the Province of the Dimetae, now Pembrokeshire, adjoyning to the most remote Province of Britain, where the Soyl is Stony and Barren, neither Cloath­ed with Wood, nor interlac'd with Rivers, nor adorn'd with Meadows, but expos'd to the Sun and Windes; yet with this Penury the Antient Saints and Bishops were best contented, accounting the remoteness from Worldly Tumults and noise, to recompense sufficiently all such Incom­modities. This Menevia, or as the Britains call'd it Menew, was in memo­ry of this Holy Bishop nam'd by the Converted Saxons, David Minster, and by the Britains, Twy Davy, that is, David's House, and at this day, St. Davids: The Bishop whereof, was for many Ages the Metropolitan [Page 145]of Cambria, but at length became subject to Canterbury: Notwithstanding the Inhabitants of Wales since the Norman Conquest commenc'd a Suit a­gainst the Arch-bishop of Canterbury for their former Right and Indepen­dance, but the Cause was judg'd against them. The Pastoral care and Zeal of St. David in maintaining the Catholick Faith against Heresies, especially against Pelagianism, and Ecclesiastical Discipline against Vices and Disorders, was signally approv'd, and manifested in the Synod of Victory, Assembled by him ten years after his Consecration: Neither was this his Pastoral care confin'd to his own Province, but extended it self a­broad also, even to Ireland, from whence he was often visited and consulted by Devout men. In those days it was a frequent custom amongst the Irish-men to go in Pilgrimage, and their Devotion was to visit the Monuments of the Apostles in Rome: Amongst the rest, one Barro, an Abbot in the Pro­vince of Cork, went thither, and in his return, pass'd by Menevia, where he staid for the accommodation of a Ship and Wind. And indeed it was the practice of Devout Irish-men, either in their going or returning, to seek the Conversation of the Holy Bishop David, whose Name like a preci­ous fragrant Oyntment, was spread all abroad: It appears by Bishop Ʋsher's Catalogue, that Irish Saints were to be sorted into several Orders, accord­ing to the times wherein they liv'd.

The first Order, Was of such as liv'd either Contemporaries with St. Pa­trick, or presently after him.

The second Order, Contain'd such Saints as liv'd about this Age; such as were St. Finanus, call'd by the Irish, Fin, and by the Britains Gain or Win, St. Brendon, &c.

It is said the Saints of the second Order receiv'd the right Order of Cele­brating Mass out of Britain, from Holy men there living, as St. David, St. Gildas and St. Doc: Moreover, St. David sent over some of his Disci­ples into Ireland, who grew famous for their Learning and Sanctity, of whom the most Illustrious was St. Aedan, call'd by the Irish St. Madoc. After he grew renown'd for his Piety and Miracles, he built at length a Monastery near the City of Fernes, where having collected a great number of Devout Brethren; he Consecrated himself to the Service of God, living according to the form and rule which he had receiv'd from his Pious Fa­ther St. David, the same which was observ'd by the Monks in Aegypt. This St. Aedan was afterwards Bishop of Fernes and Metropolitan of Lein­ster while St. David liv'd, whom he us'd to consult in Affairs of difficulty. After many years spent by the Holy Bishop David in the exercise of all Christian Virtues, it pleas'd Almighty God in love to him, and just anger to the Ungrateful Britains, to translate this burning and shining Light from Earth to Heaven, there to shine in Glory to all Eternity: According to the best account. He dy'd in the year of Grace 544. having liv'd 82 years, though some writers affirm him to have liv'd much longer. It is said, That when the hour of his Dissolution approach'd, the Angel of the Lord appear'd to him, saying, The day so much desir'd by thee, is now at hand; prepare thy self, for on the Calends of March, our Lord Jesus Christ, attended with a multitude of Angels, will come to meet thee; Whereupon the Holy man of God said, O Lord dismiss now thy Servant in Peace: The Brethren who assisted him, having heard the sound of these words, but not well under­standing the sense, fell Prostrate to the ground in great fear: Then the Holy Bishop cry'd with a loud voice, Lord Jesus Christ receive my Spirit: Ʋpon [Page 146]this the Brethren pour'd forth loud Complaints, but he asswag'd their sorrow with mild and comfortable words, exhorting them to be constant in their good profession, and unanimously to bear to the end that yoak which they had under­gone, and to observe and fulfill whatever they had seen or heard from him; and from that hour, to the day of his death, he remain'd in the Church, exhorting and encouraging them. But when the hour of his departure was come, our Lord Jesus Christ vouchsafed his presence, as he had promis'd by his Angel, to the infinite Consolation of the Holy Father; who at the Heavenly sight, exalted in Spirit, cry'd out, O my Lord take me after thee; With which words in our Lords company, he gave up his Spirit to God, upon the Calends fore-menti­on'd; and being associated to a troop of Angels, mounted up to Heaven with them. The Death of this Holy Bishop, is said to have been divulg'd by an Angel, and in an Instant spread through all Britain and Ireland. That this was so, seems to be confirm'd by a passage in the Life of St. Kentigern, of whom it is said, That having one day continu'd his Prayers with more then ordinary Devotion, his face seem'd as on fire, the sight whereof fill'd the by­standers with great amazement; when Prayers were ended, the Saint began to lament bitterly, and when his Disciples demanded a reason of his sorrow, he sate a while silent, and at last said, My dear Children, know for certain that the Holy Bishop David, the Glory of Britain, the Father of his Country, is this day dead, he has escap'd out of the Prison of his Body, and is flown to Heaven: Be­lieve me, I my self have seen a multitude of Angels conducting him into the Joy of our Lord; and our Lord himself at the Entrance of Paradice, hath Crown'd him with Glory and Honour. Know also, that Britain, which is depriv'd of so great a Light, will a long time mourn for the Absence of such a Patron, who op­pos'd himself to the Sword of our Lord when it was half drawn out, for the de­struction of that Nation, in revenge of their Sins and Impenitence: Now will God deliver up Britain to a strange Nation which know him not, and Pagans shall enjoy the land of its Inhabitants: Christian Religion shall be utterly dissi­pated in it, 'till the time prefix'd by God be ended. But after that, it shall through the Mercies of our Lord, be restor'd to its former state; yea to a far better and more Happy. St. David was Buried in his own Church of Me­nevia, which he had lov'd above all Monasteries of his Diocess; because St. Patrick, who had Prophesied of his Nativity, had been Founder of it: And also indeed he was bury'd there by the command of Malgo King of the Venedatae: But after 500 years he was Solemnly Canoniz'd by Pope Calixtus the second. This Church at first was Dedicated to St. Andrew, but after took St. David for its Patron, and the whole Diocess was thence call'd St. David's. The memory of his Sanctity was so precious, that within a few years after his Death, the visiting of his Church prov'd a great Devotion of those times; St. Oudoceus Successor of St. Thelian in the Bishoprick of Landaff, after a Pilgrimage to visit the Monuments of the Holy Apostles at Rome, made another to this Church of St. David; and after, when any one had a desire to go in Devotion to Rome, and was hindred by dangers or difficulties, he might equal the merit of such a Pil­grimage by twice visiting this Church of St. David; perhaps as a compen­sation allow'd by the Pope: St. Kinoc or Cenac was St. David's Successor, translated thither from the See of St. Patern; of whom, and other Suc­cessors in the See of St. David little is found: To keep the story of this worthy Bishop entire, some interruption may be observ'd to have been made in the order of Time. It is therefore requisite to return to its due course.

In the year of Grace 532. Otta King of Kent dy'd, leaving his Son Ir­meric Successor in his Kingdom, who was Illustrious for nothing more, than that he was the Father of Ethelbert the first Christian King among the Saxons. Two years after dy'd also Cerdic King of the West-Saxons, in the 16th. year of his Reign; to whom succeeded his Son Kenric in all his Dominions except the Isle of Wight, which he left to his Sisters Son Whitgar, whom he lov'd especially for his Military Skill. The great Com­motions in Britain, and Cruelty of the Saxons, compell'd many to seek the means of serving God abroad; amongst whom was a Holy Priest call'd John, who retir'd to Tours in France, there to live in Prayers and Solitude; but after his Death his Sanctity by the good pleasure of God was made known by a Miracle, thus related by that famous Bishop St. Gregory of Tours. Not far from the Church of Caion (saith he) rests the Body of a Priest Nam'd John, by Nation a Britain; who living here with great Devo­tion and Sanctity, Our Lord was pleas'd by him Miraculously to restore many to Health: The better to attend his Divine love, he avoided the sight of men, confining himself to a little Cell or Oratory, over against the Church of Caion; where, in a little Orchard, cultivated by himself, he had planted a few Lawrel Trees, which now are so increas'd, that the Boughs of them being drawn toge­ther Arch-wise, do afford a very pleasing shade; under those Lawrels his custom was to sit Reading or Writing: After his Death, among the said Trees there was one which through Age was quite Wither'd; He who had the care of these Trees, digg'd up the root of the dry Tree, and of the Body of it hew'd out a Bench, upon which he us'd to sit: After he had made such use of this seat above two years, thought of remorse came into his Heart; I believe (saith the Holy Bishop) by Divine Inspiration, which forc'd the man to say; Alas! Sinner that I am, why do I for my Convenience make use of a seat, fram'd of the Tree, which so Holy a Priest Planted with his own Hand: Whereupon he presently digs a hole and puts the seat into it, having cut off the Feet which sup­ported it, and then cover'd it with Earth: The very next Spring this dry Bench sprouted forth into Green Branches, and prosper'd so well, that at this day there are proceeded from it several young Trees of great heighth; and which every year, by our Lords Blessing, sprout forth more and more. About this time dy'd St. Morchus, or St. Mocchaeus a British Priest: In the begin­ning of the Saxon Troubles, he forsook his Country, and pass'd over to Lugh or Louth in Ireland, a pleasant place: St. Patrick had formerly had a resolution to build a Church there, but was commanded by an Angel to consign that place to this Morchus, shortly to come thither and end his days there in great Sanctity, as he did accordingly: He was often times vi­sited by St. Patrick, whose Disciple he became, and took the care of 12 Leapers recommended to him by St. Patrick. He Prophesied of the Holy man Columba, and was after Consecrated Bishop of Louth by St. Patrick: As for the relation of his living 300 years as a punishment inflicted on him by St. Patrick, it is justly rejected; so also of his succeeding St. Patrick in the See of Armagh, for good Records put it out of doubt that St. Benignus was by him design'd for that succession.

In the year 539. St. Kentigern being no more then 25 years of Age, was Consecrated Bishop of Glascow: As for his wonderful Birth, it hath already been related, and how his Mother was preserv'd by Servanus: He so much prosited under the instruction of Servanus, that he became his dearly beloved Disciple; afterwards he went to Glasco, where he liv'd [Page 148]alone in great Abstinence, until the King and Clergy of the Region, now call'd Gallway, with other Christians there, which were but few, chose him for their Pastor and Bishop, notwithstanding the utmost resistance he could make. They sent for one single Bishop out of Ireland, whom they caus'd to Consecrate St. Kentigern after the then usual custom among the Britains and Scots; for at that time a practice had got footing, to use no o­ther Ceremony in the Consecration of a Bishop, but only the infusion of Sacred Chrism on their Heads, with Invocation of the Holy Spirit, Bene­diction, and Imposition of Hands: For these Islanders, remov'd as it were out of the World, by the continual Invasion of Pagans, were become ig­norant in the Ecclesiastical Canons: For which cause the Law of the Church condescended to them, and admitted an excuse in this regard, so as Ecclesiastical Censure did not touch them; notwithstanding, as is here­after mention'd, St. Kentigern made ample satisfaction for this defect: His Diocess extended it self, according to the limits of the Kingdom of Cumbria, from the famous Wall formerly built to secure the Britains, reaching from Sea to Sea as far as the River Ford, or Scotish-Sea. The de­fects in this Consecration were,

First, His Age, for at a Councel held then not long before, a Decree was made, That no Metropolitan should presume to Ordain any one Bishop, be­fore he arriv'd to 30 years, the Age of a perfect man; least he should through Youth, incurr some Errour.

Secondly, The first Nicene Councel order'd, That if any one were made a Bishop, without the Judgement and Consent of the Metropolitan, he was for­bidden to exercise his Episcopal Function; And in this Ordination of St. Ken­tigern, there was no consent of the Metropolitan, nor so much as con­currence of any Neighbouring Bishop.

Thirdly, The first Canon of the Apostles, confirm'd by many Councels, enjoyns, That every Bishop should be Ordain'd by at least two or three Bishops: Whereas St. Kentigern was Consecrated by one single Bishop, who was a Stranger of a Forreign Nation.

Fourthly, In the Consecration of Bishops, the Antient Fathers for the Dig­nity of that Degree, ordain'd many Rites to be observ'd, beside such as be­long to the Essence of that Sacrament, As Anointing the Head with Chrism, with Invocation of the Holy Spirit, Signing the Person with the Sign of the Cross, Impositionof Hands; Together with several other Rites adjoyned for the Adorning the House of God, the defect whereof did not vitiate the Sacrament, but the Person only.

Now in all these Points some Defects there were in the Ordination of St. Kentigern, which when he afterwards call'd to mind, caus'd great un­quietness and remorse in him; a Custom introduc'd among Britains, to or­dain thus imperfectly, crept in since the Disturbances made by the Saxons, so as the Ecclesiastical Canons were either forgotten, or render'd unpracti­cable, for that there were no Metropolitans, or at such distance, that they could not be had, most places wanting not only Bishops, but Inhabitants; and it is probable in the present case the very Chrisme was furnish'd out of Ireland. It therefore is manifest, that these Disorders were excuseable, because unavoidable: But in Peaceable times the practice was otherwise, and the Canons were duly observ'd, and the British Faith unblemish'd. And by this we may see, that the Britains in their Ordinations before St. Gregory's time, conform'd themselves to the Roman Church, and not to the [Page 149] Eastern, as some would collect; for in truth no Eastern Church can be found, which neglected any of these Ceremonies. However, to be sure the Britains in their Discipline establish'd by Councels, demanded a Confir­mation from the See Apostolick: And this appears by the Demeanor of St. Kentigern himself; for being after afflicted in mind, for those Defects in his Ordination, he sought not Council from any Metropolitan, but from the Supreme Bishop in Rome, to whom the custody of Ecclesiastical Canons was committed, and who had Authority to enjoyn the observati­on of them, and punish, and regulate the neglect: Therefore St. Kentigern, as we find recorded, went several times to Rome, where he candidly laid open his Life, his Election, Consecration, and all the circumstances of it to St. Gregory the special Apostle of the English: Upon which the Holy Pope perceiving, that he was a sincere man of God, confirm'd his Con­secration, knowing it came from God. Moreover, at the earnest request of St. Kentigern, though with some unwillingness, he condescended to supply those small defects, which were in his Consecration, and so dismist him to the work of his Ministry enjoyn'd him by the Holy-Ghost. So that it appears nothing essentially necessary in this Consecration was omitted, because the Holy Pope supply'd the defects meerly upon importunity. The greatest fault the Holy Bishop could impute to himself, was his being Con­secrated by one only Bishop against the express Canon of a General Coun­cel; though indeed considering the danger and unquietness of the times, if the words of the Canon were transgress'd, yet the intent was not, as not obliging to Impossibilities: And this sense of the Canon appears by the Re­solution of St. Gregory to St. Augustine: That he being the only Bishop in the Church of the Angli, might himself alone ordain other Bishops. It is said of this St. Kentigern, That during the whole course of his Life, his custom was to eat only every third day, and sometimes every fourth; his food was Bread, Milk, Cheese and Butter: He always abstain'd from Flesh and Wine, or any other Drink which could Distemper. Next his skin he wore a very rough Hair­cloath, and over that a Garment made of Goat-skins, together with a close Cowle, and his uppermost cloathing was a white Albe. He always wore a Stole, and carried a Pastoral Staff or Crosier, not Spherical, Gilded or set with pre­cious Stones, but of simple Wood, bowing back at the Top; and in his Hand he ever held a Book, thus was he always in readiness to exercise his Function, whenever necessity or reason requir'd: He lay in a stone Chest made hollow like a Biere; under his Head lay a stone, and under his body were cast Cinders and Cilice of Hair; in which posture with some unwillingness, he admitted a short sleep; after which he would plunge himself into Cold Water, and so recite the whole Psalter: This practice neither Snow nor Rain interrupted, nor any thing but Sickness, or Journeying: He six'd his Episcopal See in the City of Glasco, where he also ordain'd a great Congregation of Religious men, who liv'd ac­cording to the form of the Primitive Church, in community of all things: The Infidels in his Diocess, he converted to the Faith, Apostates and Hereticks by his sound Doctrine he reduc'd to the bosome of our Holy Mother the Church. He every where threw down Idols and Images of Devils, and built some Churches: He distinguish'd Parishes by their certain bounds: He was always travelling to gain Souls to God; never riding, but in imitation of the Apostles, always going on foot; And because he would not eat his Bread in Idleness, his custom was to labour with his hands in Agriculture.

About this time our famous King Arthur, upon some unknown occasion Abroad, left the Administration of his Kingdom to his Nephew Mordred, Son of Loth King of the Picts by his Sister; Mordred in the Absence of his Uncle, invades his Throne, upon pretence King Arthur was a Bastard, and born out of Lawful Marriage: To this Treason the Traytor adds the Crime of Incest, violently taking his Uncles Wife Queen Guenhumara: And to strengthen himself, he enter'd into a Confederacy with the King of the West-Saxons, to whom he yielded up several Provinces. This in­famous Crime soon brings King Arthur back into Britain, inflam'd with rage against his abominable Kinsman. Mordred was prepared to hinder his landing, where a Cruel Battle was fought between them, in which Au­guselus King of Albania, and Walwan another Nephew of King Arthur were slain; notwithstanding which, at last King Arthur with infinite dif­ficulty landed, and renewing the Fight, made a great slaughter of his Ene­mies, compelling Mordred to fly to Winchester, whither he was pursu'd by King Arthur; where in a second Battle, after much Blood-shed, he was again put to flight toward Cornwall: But King Arthur not ceasing to follow, at last overtook him near the River Camblan, where Mordred having rang'd his Forces, in a desperate fury rush'd amongst his Enemies, resolv'd rather to die, then once more to shew his back to them. In this Combat, which continu'd almost a whole day, after horrible Bloodshed on both sides, King Arthur with the Courage and fury of a Lyon, rush'd into the Troop where he knew Mordred was, and making way with his Sword, at last with hor­rible slaughter dispers'd the Enemies: There fell the Traytor Mordred, and with him several Saxon Commanders, Elaphius, Egbrith and Bruning and many thousands with them: But this Victory cost King Arthur his Life, for in the Combat he receiv'd a Mortal Wound, and was convey'd by the Charity of a Kins-woman of his, a Noble Matron call'd Morganis, into the Island of Avallonia, now Glastonbury, which gave occasion to the foolish British Bards to invent the Story, Of Morganis a Faery Goddess, who carried the Body of King Arthur into Avallonia by Magick skill, with promise to Cure his Wounds, and that he should return with his former Strength and Courage to govern the Britains; Who for many Ages expected his re­turn, as foolishly as the coming of the Messias is look'd for by the Jews. When Guenhumara heard of her Husbands return, she fled to the City of Caerleon, and there took the Habit of a Religious Woman among the Nuns in the Monastery of St. Julius the Martyr: The true reason why King Arthur would be carried to the Monastery of Glastonbury doubtless was, partly to prepare himself more perfectly for Death in the company, and by the assistance of the Holy Monks there; and that after his death he might be bury'd among such a world of Saints as repos'd there from the beginning of Christianity: The like we read of Constantine, who for the like purpose was bury'd in like manner, That he might have the Prayers of such as in succeeding Ages should come to visit those Monuments: King Ar­thur before his death gave to that Monastery, Brent, March, Poulden and other Lands besides, which the Pagan Angli took away; but after being Converted to the Faith, restor'd with Advantage. King Arthur appoin­ted for his Successor a Kins-man of his call'd Constantine, and having re­commended himself to the Prayers of the Monks, he dy'd Happily, and after a Christian manner was bury'd with a Cross. His conveyance to Glastonbury was it seems by his own Order, and done with all Secresie, and [Page 151]by like order his Death and place of Burial studiously conceal'd. For, (says Matthew Paris) the King dying, was desirous to be hidden, least his Enemies should insult, and his Friends be molested at so great a Calamity. Hence it is that Histories relate little or nothing of his Death and Burial; Insomuch, as the British Nation out of their Affection to him, contend that he is still alive; upon which occasion the Prophecy was invented and father'd upon Merlin, That he should appear and reign once more.

It seems in the year of Grace 1142. the Sepulchre of King Arthur could no where be found; whereas the Sepulchre of his Heroick Nephew Wal­win had then lately been found in the time of King William near the Sea­coast, and was 14 Foot long: But a while after, in the time of Henry the II. by the industry of certain Devout persons King Arthur's Mo­nument was found, and the expectation of his return thereby vanish'd among the Welch People: The manner how it was found, is set forth by many Authors; one of which affirms, That the Abbot who found it, shew'd him the Cross which lay over King Arthur's Body, the Characters whereof he read: But we may receive the most Authentick account of this from the great Table of Glastonbury, fram'd on purpose to preserve the memory of this Invention, wherein it is thus written, In this Island Avallonia, or rather this Tomb of Saints at Glastonbury; do rest King Arthur, the flower of the Kings of Britain, and Guenhavera his Queen, who after their Decease were Honourably Bury'd near the Old Church, between two Stone Pyramids, heretofore Nobly Engraven; and in the same place have their Bodies rested for many years, to wit, 628. years, untill the time of Henry de Soili, who after the burning of the said Church, was Abbot there: This Abbot after many admonitions by several persons, commanded men to dig between the said Pyra­mids: They dig'd exceeding deep, and at last found a very great Bier of Wood shut close up, which, with their Instruments they open'd, and within it discover'd the Kings Body, and a Cross of Lead, one whole side whereof was fill'd with this Inscription, Here lyes Bury'd the famous King Arthur in the Island of Aval­lonia: Then they open'd the Tomb of the Queen, and the Hairs of her Head were spread over her Body, and seem'd as if she had been but lately bury'd; but as soon as they touch'd them, they fell all into Dust. The Abbot then and Convent with great Joy, and exceeding Honour, transfer'd their Bodies from thence, and plac'd them in a double Monument of Stone Nobly Engraven on the one side in the great Church, to wit, The Kings Body by it self at the Head of the Tomb, and the Queens on the East-side. These Testimonies are enough to declare the unreasonableness of some late assertions, that there never was any such man; That many foolish stories pass concerning him, cannot be deny'd; but that it may be collected from St. Bede, that there never was any such man, is a mistake; all that he says, is, That Ambrosius Aurelius a Modest man, was the only person of the Roman Stock, who over-liv'd the Miseries of the Britains, at the time when the Saxons rais'd such Tragedies in the Island; He denies not that he had Sons and Grand-children: On the contrary, Gildas expresly affirms, That the Off-spring of Ambrosius in the times when he wrote, did degenerate from the Virtue of their Ancestors: It cannot there­fore be deny'd, that such a Prince govern'd the Britains as King Arthur, that he reign'd about 33 years, that he dy'd in the 70th. year of his Age, and was bury'd after the Christian manner, as was sufficiently testify'd by the Cross over his Tomb; which Cross was from the beginning esteem'd through the whole Church, an assur'd Badge of Christianity: The first [Page 152]degree of Apostacy declar'd by Julian, was the casting away the Sign of the Cross, which saith St. Cyril, Is the prime and immoveable Foundation of the Faith profess'd by Christians, and with which Athanasius, hath in every Age triumph'd over all Superstition and Idolatry: Whereas of late the Cross it self is now accounted Superstitious. Before we come to shew how far the Successor of King Arthur degenerated from him, something must be said of two famous men of that Age, St. Iltutus, and St. Sampson; the former dy'd during the reign of that Heroical King: He was the Son of a Noble Souldier Nam'd Rican, his Mother was call'd Rieneguilida, Daughter to a Prince of Little-Britain. In his Childhood he was instructed in Learning, but arriving to more years, he apply'd himself to Martial Affairs; and hearing of the Magnanimity of his Kins-man King Arthur, he went to visit him; after he apply'd himself to the Prince of Glamorganshire, of whom he became so highly esteem'd, that he advanc'd him to the highest condi­tion in that State next himself: After this he was Councell'd and per­swaded by St. Cadocus to forsake the Secular Habit and Profession, and to Consecrate the remainder of his Life to the Service of God, that he might the more assuredly obtain Eternal Rewards and Happiness. Iltutus submitting to the Councel of the Holy man, relinquish'd the World, and retiring to a commodious Mansion, liv'd there some time a Solitary and Devout Life: Then he had recourse to St. Dubritius Bishop of Landaff, from whom he receiv'd the Tonsure and Crown, Badges of a Religious Pro­fession; And thus with the Consent of his Wife vow'd perpetual Chastity, which she also observ'd: How the Centuriatours of Magdeburg have con­tradicted themselves in the relation of this Saint, must be referr'd to their Writings: Sure it is the memory of his Learning and Sanctity, is preserv'd to this day in Glamorganshire, where there is a Town and Church call'd Llanlivit, or Llaniltut, (not far from Llancarvan the habitation of St. Ca­docus,) where St. Iltutus diligently Preach'd Gods word, and instituted a Colledge of Schollars, which he instructed in Learning and Piety; amongst whom the most Illustrious was the fore-nam'd St. Sampson, who by his Masters direction embrac'd also a Religious profession, of whom more pre­sently.

It is said of this St. Iltutus, that he was the Disciple of St. Germanus, and had the Spirit of Prophecy: As for his Disciple St. Sampson, he was born in South-wales of Noble Parents, after they had liv'd long Childless; his Fathers Name was Amon, and his Mothers Anne: He was instructed in Humane knowledge, Integrity of Life, and a Monastical Institution by St. Iltutus, and liv'd in a Monastery built by a Holy man call'd Piro, in an Island not far distant from the Monastery of St. Iltutus, and there is said to had led a perfect and Angelical Life, Amiable in his Conversation, Vigi­lant in Prayer, and Persevering in good Works. Not long after by the Death of Piro, this Holy man Sampson was unanimously chosen Abbot: Four years after his Election, by the permission of St. Dubritius, he went into Ireland, but his stay was not long there, for he was present at the Councel of Brevi: He was after ordain'd an Arch-bishop in Britain, but it cannot be assign'd of what place, only it is without doubt reported, that St. Sampson a British Arch-bishop went over into Little Britain, and car­ried with him the Pall, Ensign of his Dignity: Great dispute hath risen whether this St. Sampson were Arch-bishop of York or Menevia; the de­bate seems to have been concluded to the advantage of Menevia, where­in [Page 153]St. Sampson is suppos'd to have succeeded Kinocus, who was next to St. David.

Now the Church of Menevia enjoying all the Priviledges of the Church of Caerleon, must needs be Metropolitan, and consequently the Archbishop thereof wore a Pall, which he probably carried over with him to Dole in Little Britain in the year of Grace 566. when the whole Pro­vince of Menevia was almost depopulated by a raging Pestilential Disease; to avoid which, by the importunity of his Friends, he undertook that Voyage. Being arriv'd there, he was admitted into great Favour by Childebert King of France, and with his License and Contribution Found­ed a Monastery there, where he led a Holy Life, imploy'd in Divine Me­ditation; and by his Pious Example and Admonitions, directed many Dis­ciples in the same way. St. Sampson in this Voyage took with him a Companion of suitable Holiness, call'd St. Conaid, by the French vulgarly St. Mein, said to be the Son of a Noble Britain, living near Caer Guent, and recommended to the care of St. Sampson. One special Miracle is re­corded to have been wrought by St. Mein, viz. That by his Prayers a Foun­tain sprang forth in a dry Soyl, very effectual for Curing several Diseases, Especially the Scurvy, there call'd the Disease of St. Mein: After St. Samp­son had spent some years in the Monastery of Dole, the Bishop of that City dying, he was Elected in his place, and made use of his Pall there, from whence his Successor in Dole, assum'd the Honour of wearing a Pall, and consequently challenging Arch-Episcopal Jurisdiction, and an exemption from the Metropolitan of Tours. This continu'd 'till the days of Innocent the III. and all that time the See of St. David's, though own'd the Prime Church of Wales, yet abstain'd from the Pall; for which cause Eugenius the III. under King Henry the I. subjected it to the See of Canterbury in the year of our Lord 1148. 33 years St. Sampsom with admirable Sanctity administred that Bishoprick, and in the year 599. receiv'd his Eternal Re­ward: His Body by reason of the frequent Incursions of the Danes and Normans, was remov'd from Dole to Orleans, where it was receiv'd with such Reverence, that a Church was built on purpose to keep it, which to this day is Dedicated to his Honour; although destitute of that Sacred Pledge, which among many other Bodies of Saints, was Impiously burn'd by those profess'd Enemies of Sacred things, the Huguenots in the last Age, who seiz'd on that City: Some part of his Relicks was with great Vene­ration repos'd in the Abbey of Middleton in Dorsetshire, which was built by King Ethelstan in expiation of being at least accessary to the Murder of his Brother Edwin in the year 934. His Successor in the See of Dole was his Kinsman and Companion in his Voyage. St. Magbore another Kins­man of St. Sampson, call'd St. Maclovius or St. Malo, otherwise St. Mai­nutus, was famous at that time. He, during the Tempest in Britain, by the reason of Mordred, pass'd likewise into Little Britain, the com­mon refuge of Devout men in those times: He was born in Britain, his Fathers Name was Went. His Mother was call'd Derwella or Darwalla, being 60 years of Age when she was deliver'd of him in the Valley of Elan Carvan in Glamorganshire. In the same place then liv'd a Holy man, call'd St Brenden, Abbot of the Monastery of Elan Carvan, by whom this Infant thus wonderfully born was Baptiz'd, and after Educated in all Vir­tue and Piety: From his Childhood he is reported to have shin'd Glori­ously by innumerable Miracles, which accompanied him all his Life-time: [Page 154]Our Learned Cambden affirms, That the constant Tradition was, that he was after made a Bishop of a City in the Province of the Iceni, now Hunting­donshire, call'd Durosipons, after Gormoncester from Gormon or Guthrum the Dane, to whom becoming a Christian, King Alfred gave those Provinces. St. Malo upon occasion of the troubles at that time, went into Little Britain also, where he liv'd in great Sanctity and contemning his own Glory, re­tir'd privily into a Bodering Island, where in his Eremetical manner of living, he express'd an Angelical Purity. But the brightness of the Divine Splendour discover'd this Light, which endeavour'd to conceal it self. For when the Inhabitants of the Island, understood that a stranger excelling in the Gift of Preaching, and Power of Divine Miracles hid himself there from the Conversation of men, they in common Assembly came, and drawing him by force out of his Solitude, chose him for their Pastor, and inviting the neighbouring Bishops, placed him in the Pontifical Chair of Aleth, and partly by entreaties and partly by force, compell'd him to be their Bishop. The Saint being thus exalted, shed forth abundantly the Beams of that Divine Grace wherewith he was replenish'd, illustrating mens Souls with the true knowledge of God, inflaming them with his love, and affording both Admonitions and Examples of all Virtues; to which he added a great efficacy, by wonderful Operations and Miracles: Insomuch, as since the Apostles times, we read not of any one, who wrought greater wonders than he. For with his word he calm'd Tempests, he restor'd three dead persons to Life, to the Blind he gave Sight, by the sprinkling of Holy Water he expell'd Devils and quench'd the Poison of Serpents: Neither did he re­semble those Princes of our Faith in working of Miracles only, but in Pa­tience also, to the tryal whereof he was often put; for he was Assaulted by certain Impious persons, and suffer'd many Calamities for Religion and Justice, so as at last he was violently thrust out of his Episcopal Throne and Diocess with seven other Devout persons, his most especial Compa­nions, who imitated him in Purity of living. Yet did he bear this heavy Cross after our Lord with a Courageous mind. Attended with these Holy men St. Mahutus fled into Aquitain, and in the City of Xaintes was most kindly entertain'd and Fatherly assisted by St. Leontius Archbishop of Bourdeaux and Metropolitan of Xaintes, who there accomodated him with a convenient Habitation for serving God: St. Leontius bare a tender affecti­on to him, Admiring and Reverencing the Divine Grace which he ob­serv'd in him, esteeming him as sent from Heaven to assist him in his Pa­storal Charge; for which reason in all his Visitations, he took him for his Companion, entreating his Councels and Prayers. Howbeit the man of God, though he were so despitefully and unjustly exil'd, was not unmind­ful of his Flock, but forgetting all Injuries, daily invok'd our Lords Cle­mency for the Conversion of that stubborn People: The Divine Majesty condescended to his Prayers, and by an Angel did acquaint him, That his Flock was Penitent, and desir'd his return; that he should repair to them, and restore to Health that Region which was grievously afflicted with the Scourges of Divine Severity; that he should restore plenty to the barren Earth, bestow his Benediction on the Inhabitants. And lastly, Returning to Xaintes, that there he should be divested of corruptible Flesh, and his Soul ascend to Eternal Felicity. As soon as he was come back, he was receiv'd with more then ordinary respect, but presently after dy'd full of Days and Sanctity, and was bury'd by Leontius in Aquitain: Now though the Inhabitants of Aleth [Page 155]were depriv'd of the Sacred Relicks of their prime Prelate, whom they had treated so injuriously; yet the name of Blessed Maclovius remains, ne­ver to be blotted out, adorning and defending that City to this day with his Coelestial Benefits and Glorious Perfection. Howbeit the Episcopal See does not now remain at Aleth, but is remov'd to an Island two Miles distant from thence, Antiently call'd Aaron, where a City new built is in memory of their Holy Prelate and Patron, call'd St. Malo, and Ʋrbs Macloviensis. It is said that St. Mahutus with his seven Disciples in Devotion visited Rome, where he redeem'd many Infidel Captives; and having instructed them in the true Faith, Baptiz'd them.

Saint Brendan his Spiritual Father and Instructor, though no Britain by Birth, is not to be deny'd some place in this History: He came out of Ire­land, to visit the Holy man St. Gildas Albanius in Britain: He was also Superiour in the Monastery of Lancarvan, where he Baptiz'd St. Ma­clovius, and returning into Ireland, where he was made an Abbot, there dy'd Happily in the year of Grace 571. The death of this Blessed man, is said to be reveal'd to St. Columba, who declar'd, That he saw the Heavens on a suddain open'd, and a Choire of Angels descending to meet St. Brendan's Soul, by whose incomparable Splendour, the whole World was that night Enlightn'd: St. Brendan thus call'd to Heaven, enjoy'd on Earth also an Eternal Monu­ment of his Name and Sanctity: For in the Isle of Orkney, a Town and Church were built and call'd from his Name, the reason was, because his Sacred Body was thither translated.

In this Age flourish'd a Holy British Abbot call'd St. Doc, of whom is written, That when St. Canic, of whom the Province of Kilkenny took its Name, was grown to an Age of capable knowledge, being desirous of instruction, he pass'd over into Britain to a Religious man call'd Doc, and under him stu­died diligently, and was taught both Learning and Piety: This St. Doc was one of the three Holy Britains from whom the Irish learn'd the form and Rites of Celebrating Mass: The other two were St. David and St. Gildas.

After the death of King Arthur, Constantine according to his designati­on, succeeded him in the Government of Britain: He was the Son of Ca­dor Duke of Cornwall, and Kinsman to the King: His sufficiency to dis­charge that employment for the Benefit of his Country, was enough ap­prov'd by the choice of his glorious Predecessor: But Almighty God hav­ing fix'd a period to the British Monarchy, permitted many Factions to arise, and many Pretendants to the Principality, the opposing of whom hindred Constantine from advancing the common profit and safety of the Kingdom: Moreover, Ambition and Revenge had such a Power over him, that they invited him to commit Crimes, which hast'ned the ruine of his Country. Hence it is that Gildas calls him the Tyrant of Danmonia, Ty­rant in regard of his Cruelty, and Tyrant of that Province, because at that time several others had invaded each one their several Principalities, and for the maintaining of their unjust Usurpations, fill'd the whole Na­tion with all manner of Impieties; which gave occasion to the same Gildas to publish a Passionate Invective against the Vices of the whole British Nation, which had universally depriv'd the Inhabitants of all states and conditions, an exceeding few excepted; who forseeing the unavoidable de­struction of the Nation, withdrew themselves from publick Affairs, and in solitude deplor'd the sins of others, by great Pennances and Austerities, procuring Indulgence to their own Souls. In former times (saith Gildas) [Page 156]our Kings publick Officers, private Persons, Bishops and other Ecclesiasticks, every one kept their Order, and perform'd the Duties belonging to them; But when they were dead, there succeeded a Generation, utterly ignorant of the former Virtues, among whom all the Rules of Truth and Justice were so shaken and sub­verted, that no footsteps, nor so much as the least Monument of those Virtues appear'd in any of the said Orders. Constantine at his first Ascension into his Throne, bound himself by a Solemn Oath, to govern Justly, and to use his utmost endeavours to defend his Subjects from Injuries and Oppres­sions, and the Commonwealth from the violence of its Enemies. And yet the year following, we find him charg'd with Perjury, and the viola­tion of his Faith, by his Barbarous Cruelty and Sacrilegious Prophanation of Gods House; For the two Sons of Mordred rising up in Arms against him, to revenge their Fathers death, joyn'd in Confederacy with the Saxons, and fought many Battles with him; but at last being compell'd to fly, Constantine pursu'd them, and one of them he slew before the Altar of St. Amphibalus his Church in Winchester; the other who had hid himself in a Convent of Monks, he Condemned to a Cruel death in London: For this Sacrilegious Inhumanity, Gildas in his too free stile, calls Constantine, The Tyrannical Whelp of the Lioness of Danmonia; an infringer of the dread­ful Sacrament of an Oath, by which he bound himself before God and all his Saints; to abstain from all Injustice and Treachery to his Subjects; notwith­standing which, in the very bosom both of their Carnal Mother, and Spiritual Mother the Church, near the most Holy Altar, he had torn the Bowels of two Royal Youths, though cover'd with the Vestments of a Holy Abbot, whilst they stretch'd forth their Hands, not armed with Swords to resist, but to implore help from God and his Altar; and yet he most Barbarously shed their Blood; which, with a Purple dye stain'd the seat of the Ecclesiastical Sacrifice, and the Sacred Palls which cover'd it. To this Invective, the same Author adjoyns most pressing Exhortations to Constantine, That he would do suitable Pen­nance for these horrible Crimes; that if possible he might avoid the dark inex­tricable Torrents of Eternal fire, in which otherwise he must for ever be roll'd and roasted. By these Expressions, it should seem, these two Sons of Mor­dred, were not so much to be blam'd for their rising, all Circumstances consider'd: Probable it is, that these, or such like Exhortations wrought a good effect upon Constantine; for though some write that he was slain by Conan, who succeeded in the Kingdom, yet others tell another Story, viz. That after a short reign, having been depriv'd of his Wife and Children, be grew weary of his Kingdom, and privily stealing from his Friends, went into Ireland, and there for the love of Christ, labour'd unknown like a poor Ser­vant in a Mill; but afterward by perswasion of a Monk, to whom he discover'd his condition, he was induc'd to shave his Head, and Consecrate himself to a Religious Life in a Monastery, where he is said to live with such Piety and De­votion, that he became a pattern of all Virtues to the rest of the Monks. That at last by the Prelate of that place he was sent in Mission to the Scots, to instruct that Nation in the Doctrine of Christ, where he suffer'd Martyrdom by the hands of some Impious persons: Some Ages after he became Venerated as a Saint, and by Authority of succeeding Bishops, Temples were Dedicated to his Honour, which yet remain in that Nation. To confirm this, we read in the Life of St. David, That when St. David's Holiness was spread abroad, several Princes forsaking their Kingdoms, retir'd to his Monastery: And that Constantine King of the Cornish-men, or Danmonii, forsaking his Throne, became a [Page 157]Monk there, and after some time spent in the Service of God, at last went into a far distant Country, where he built a Monastery.

Now it will be time to relate the great Affliction and Persecution which befell the famous and Holy Bishop St. Kentigern in the second year of Con­stantine. Certain Sons of Belial, Kinsmen to King Mark, rose against the Saint, conspiring his death; whereupon being admonish'd by Divine Re­velation, he departed, directing his Journey to Menevia, where the Holy Bishop David flourish'd with all Virtues; near Gaerleon he Converted many to the Faith, and built a Church: Being come to St. David, he abode with him some time, and receiv'd from the Prince of that Region Cathwallam, a place commodious for a Monastery; which having Erected at Egla (Elwy) he fix'd there an Episcopal See: Near that place there was a Nobleman, which often threatn'd, and endeavour'd to expel him from thence, whom God therefore smote with Blindness; but upon the Holy Bishops Prayers, his Sight was restor'd, for which he became ever after Helper and Protector to the Bishop: There were Assembled in that Mo­nastery, no fewer then 945 Brethren, who all liv'd under Monastical Disci­pline, serving God with great Abstinence, of which number 300. who were Illiterate, he appointed to Tilling the Ground, and Guard of the Cattle out of the Monastery; other 300. he assign'd for preparing Nourishment, and performing other necessary Works within the Monastery; and 365. who were Learn'd, he deputed to the Celebrating Divine Offices daily: Not any of which, without great necessity, would he permit to go out of the Monastery, but ordain'd them to attend there continually, as in Gods Sanctuary: And this part of the Convent he divided so into Troops and Companies, that when one had finish'd the Service of God in the Church, another presently enter'd, and began it again; which being ended, a third without any delay enter'd: By this means Prayers were offer'd in that Church without intermission, and the Praises of God were always in their Mouths. Among these there was one nam'd Asaph, more especially Illu­strious for his Descent and Form, who from his Childhood shone brightly, both by Virtues and Miracles, and daily endeavour'd to imitate his Master in all Sanctity and Abstinence: To him this man of God bore ever after a particular Affection, and committed the care of the Monastery to his Pru­dence, and at last appointed him his Successor in the Bishoprick: As touch­ing the fore-mention'd Noble-man who oppos'd this Holy Bishop, it is written to this effect, That St. Kentigern at first built a Church of Wood and Lime, but after he renew'd it of Stone, although he was therein much hindred and molested by a Prince nam'd Malgo or Maglocun, whose dwelling was six Miles thence at Deganwy; but after being asswag'd, he permitted him to place there an Episcopal See, on which he bestow'd both ample Possessions and Pri­viledges, as he did also upon the Monastery. The See is by some call'd Elguy or Llanelwy, so nam'd from the River Elwy, over which it is seated; St. Kentigern being the first Bishop thereof: But in succeeding times it was call'd St. Asaph, from the next succeeding Bishop. Of this Prince Malgo more hereafter.

St. Kentigern's Life was prolong'd, till after St. Augustine the Monks coming into Britain; yet because his future Actions, do not much relate to the general Affairs of the British Churches, we may well in this place sum up the remainder of his Life: He remain'd in Cambria seventeen years, exercising most perfectly the Functions both of an Abbot, and after of a [Page 158]Bishop at Elwy, till in the end he was re-call'd to his first Bishoprick at Glasco in this admirable manner: After that all his Enemies in Cambria had been consum'd by divers Calamities and Diseases, the Inhahitants of that Region from whence he had been so long Exild, through his Absence, had for­saken the way of the Lord, which he had taught them, and were return'd to their Idolatry, like Dogs to their Vomit; which Apostacy of theirs it pleas'd God to puntsh by a grievous Famine, the Earth, the Sea, and all the Elements refu­sing their accustom'd aid and comfort to them: But at length our Lord was pleas'd to raise up a good King in that Region nam'd Rederech, who had been Baptiz'd by some of the Disciples of St. Patrick, and who was very desirous to restore the Faith of Christ in his Kingdom; for which purpose he directed Messengers with Letters to St. Kentigern, wherein he acquainted the Saint, That the men who sought his Life were dead, and besought him, that he would no longer be absent from his flock, for which he was oblig'd to Sacrifice his Life; St. Kentigern having receiv'd the Message, prepar'd for his return, and ha­ving appointed St. Asaph his Successor in the Bishoprick of Elwy, he attended with 600 of his Brethren, took his Journey to the Region of the Cambrians, and was met by the Devout King, and great numbers of his People, giving Thanks to God for his Presence, upon whom the Holy man pronounced a solemn Benediction: After this he cry'd with a loud voice. In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I command all those who envy the Salvation of men, and re­sist the Preaching of Gods word, to depart presently from hence, that they may be no hinderance to those who shall believe: Having said thus, im­mediately in the sight of all, an innumerable multitude of wicked Spirits hor­rible to behold, both for their Stature and Shapes, fled away from the Company, which caus'd a wonderful Fear and trembling in them: But the Holy man, en­courag'd and comforted them, letting them see visibly who they were in whom they had believ'd, and by whom they had been induced to Adore dumb Idols, or the Elements which were Creatures appointed by God for their Ʋse and Service: And for Woden, whom by the Seduction of the Saxons they esteem'd their principal God: And to whose Honour they Consecrated the fourth day of the Week, he shew'd that he was no better than a Mortal man, who had been King of the Saxons, and Ancestor to several Nations; that his Body was then dis­solv'd into Dust, and his Soul tormented in Hell fire for ever. When he had said this, with other Speeches in explanation of the Christian Faith: The ground on which he sate in a plain Field call'd Holdelin, swell'd up under him in the sight of them all, so as it grew to a reasonable high Hill, and so re­mains (as is said) to this day: All the People seeing these wonders, after they were instructed in the Faith, receiv'd Baptism, and thus by his Doctrine he freed the Nation of the Picts from Idolatry and Heresie: He Converted likewise the Country of Albania, therein building many Churches, and Founding many Monasteries: Whilst St. Kentigern liv'd among the Picts, St. Columba, by the English call'd Columkill, hearing in his Monastery in the Isle of Hy, the Fame of this Holy Bishop, came with a great Troop of his Disciples to visit him, and was met by him with the like multitude; which they divided on each side into three Companies: The First of Young men; The Second such as were of Perfect Age; And the Third Venerable Old men: All which on the way towards one ano­ther, Sang Spiritual Songs; and when St. Columba came in sight of the Bishop, turning himself to his Disciples, he said, I see a Pillar of Fire, as it were a Golden Crown, in the third Choire descending upon the Bishop, and [Page 159]casting a Caelestial Splendor about him: Then the two Holy men approach­ing to one another with great fervour of Affection, gave, and receiv'd mutual Kisses and Embraces: The King of the Picts is said to be present at the meeting; and afterwards St. Columba going to a Monastery joyning to the Castle of Caledonia built by Convallus, there instructed the Caledo­nians in the Faith; the Horesti also, and other Neighbouring Nations: In the same place was afterwards Erected a Church Dedicated to St. Co­lumba, and Plentifully endow'd by the following Kings of the Scots; which Church being an Episcopal See, was vulgarly call'd Dunkeld: Yet it may be likely that the Author of this Relation concerning the Church of Dun­keld may be mistaken, confounding the Actions of two Saints, both Nam'd Columba; for it is certain that St. Columba, who was first Bishop of Dun­keld, flourish'd almost a 100 years after this time, and to him it was that St. Cuthbert being then a Child was recommended; which mistake is Par­donable, because, as Bishop Ʋsher observes, There were in Ireland almost 20 several men of the Name Columba.

In the year of Grace 593. St. Kentigern out of Britain, and a Bishop call'd Alban out of Ireland went to Rome to visit Pope Gregory the Great; saith Bishop Ʋsher: And as it may be probably guess'd at, from a consi­deration of the state of the Church in those times, upon this special occa­sion: The famous Council of Chalcedon having condemn'd Eutyches and his Doctrine, which confounded the two Natures in Christ, was rejected by a Faction of the Eutychians, call'd Acephali, because it seem'd to them to favour the contrary Heresie of the Nestorians, formerly condemn'd, who acknowledg'd not only two Natures, but two persons in our Lord. The grounds on which the Acephali charg'd the Council, was

First, Because it seem'd to approve an Epistle of Ibas Bishop of Edessa.

And Secondly, The Writings of Theodorus Bishop of Mopsuestia full of Blasphemous passages savouring of Nestorianism.

Thirdly, Because it had receiv'd into Communion Theodoret Bishop of Cyrrhus, who had written sharply against the 12 Capita of St. Cyril.

Hereupon the Emperor Justinian being desirous to repress the Acephali, who had rais'd great Commotions in Aegypt and the East, by the Advice of Theodorus Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, a secret Favorite of the Acephali publish'd a large Edict, call'd tria Capitula, in which he proscrib'd Ibas, Theo­dius; and Theodoret, procuring likewise a Condemnation of their Writings as Heretical from the Bishops of the East. Notwithstanding Menas Bishop of Constantinople, in his Subscription to the Emperours Decrees, added this Condition, If these things were approv'd by the Bishop of Rome: So as Ju­stinian perceiving, that without the Sentence of the Pope, his attempts would be inneffectual, call'd Vigilius, then Bishop of Rome, from thence to Constantinople: Who at his departure was seriously admonish'd by the Churches of Rome, Africk, Sardinia, Greece and Illyricum, That he should by no means consent to any Novelty, nor suffer any prejudice to the Council of Chalcedon: In complyance with whom, by Letters to Menas, He freely reprehended their Condemnation of the three Bishops, desiring Justinian to re­call his Decree, and when he came to Constantinople, he suspended from his Communion the Bishops which had subscrib'd the said Condemnation: And yet five Months after, at the request of the Empress Theodora, he restor'd them to his Communion: And though he would not subscribe to the Emperors Decree, by his consent, the whole Cause was discuss'd in a Synod of 70 [Page 160]Bishops at Constantinople; and when the Suffrages of the Bishops were brought to him, he wrote a Decree, which he sent to Menas, in which also he confirm'd the tria Capitula; Howbeit, this Condescention of Vigilius to avoid a rent in the Eastern Churches, was ill taken in the West; insomuch, as the Bishops of Africa, Illyricum and Dalmatia, withdrew themselves from his Communion, and Facundus, who defended their Cause, call'd him a Prevaricator: Upon which Vigilius endeavour'd to perswade the Emperor in the presence of Menas and other Eastern Bishops, That whatever had pass'd on either side, should be rescinded, and that a Synod should be assembled, to which particularly the African and Illyrian Bishops, who had been scanda­liz'd should be call'd. But they being unwilling to obey, Vigilius was dealt withal, That in Case the Western Bishops would not comply; he joyning with the Greeks should condemn the three Bishops: Which he utterly refusing, the Emperor's Decree was notwithstanding publish'd: And when Vigilius, together with Dacius Bishop of Milan, threatn'd the Grecian Bishops with Excommunication, in case they consented to the Decree; The Emperor was so incensed, that Vigilius was forc'd to sly for refuge into St. Peter's Church; from which Sanctuary, when the Emperor's Officer endeavour'd to draw him, he was repell'd by a Tumult of the People: But many inju­ries being still offer'd to Vigilius, he fled by night to Chalcedon, into the Church of St. Euphremia. But the constancy of Vigilius procur'd this effect, That laying aside the Imperial Edicts, the discussion of the whole Cause should be reserv'd to a Synod, which the Pope desired to have Cele­brated in Italy; but the Graecians refusing, it was agreed that an equal number of Western Bishops should be summon'd to Constantinople; which agreement notwithstanding, the Emperour summon'd all the rest of the Eastern Patriarchs: Thus a Council of Eastern Bishops only met, at which Vigilius refus'd to be present, not esteeming it Canonical, in regard the Western Bishops were absent, who were most concern'd in the affair. How­ever, after 20 days respite obtain'd, Vigilius sent a writing to the Emperor, which he call'd a Constitutum, wherein he at large gave his judgment of the Tria Capitula, telling him, That as to the Blasphemies of Theodorus, he did abhor them; but in imitation of the Council of Ephesus, would spare his Name. Again, that it would be superfluous to cast any infamy on the Writings of Theo­doret against St. Cyril; since St. Cyril himself, and the Councel of Chalce­don, had requir'd no other satisfaction from him, but only to pronounce Ana­thema, against Nestorius, which he did: And as for the Epistle of Ibas, no discussion should be made of it, after the Council of Chalcedon. This Con­stitutum the Emperor, contrary to his Promise, reserv'd to himself; but withall acquainted the Synod, with Vigilius his mind concerning the Tria Capitula, which he had often-times both by words and writing express'd; the Synod proceeded to a condemnation of them, complaining withal, That the Pope would not afford his presence to them: After this definition of the Bishops in the Council, the Pope being in extream Anguish, because he saw how the Western Bishops would be offended, and that the Scandal would be the greater, because the Emperor had not sent his Constitutum to the Council, utterly refus'd his Consent or Approbation of their Definition; for which refusal, he was by the Emperour sent into Banishment with other Bishops. His Banishment continu'd not long, for six months after the Synods Definition, Vigilius sent a Decretal Epistle to Entychius Successor to Menas, in which he condemn'd the Tria Capitula, and profess'd Commu­nion [Page 161]with all those who embracing the four Councils of the Church had condemn'd the same, (meaning thereby the last Council, which he would not Name:) This Decree of Vigilius, was by the Graecians referr'd among the Acts of the Council, by virtue whereof it became a Lawful Oecumenical Council: This end being given to this unnecessary Contro­versy; all the Western Churches, excepting only the Bishops of Istria, Ve­nice and Liguria, consented to it: But these Churches being under the Dominion of the Longobardi, broke into an open Schism, which continu'd till the time of St. Gregory the Great.

Besides them, we find no other Church unsatisfy'd, except Ireland only; To the Bishop whereof St. Gregory, a year before St. Kentigern's Journey to Rome, wrote an Epistle in Answer to one of theirs, who had charg'd the Roman See, with injuring the Councel of Chalcedon, by condemning the Tria Capitula: But St. Gregory inform'd them, That this Controversy did not at all touch the Faith of the Church, but the Persons only of two or three Bishops: That the Authority of the Council of Chalcedon was entire, both with those who oppugned, and those who defended the Tria Capitula, and there­fore none could have just cause to make a rent in the Church, upon so trifling a quarrel. This answer of the Pope's seems to give satisfaction to the Irish, for several Epistles afterwards past from him to them, as unanimous Bre­thren, instructing them touching the Rites in Baptism, and whether it were to be administred to those who return'd from the Nestorian He­resie, &c. This Controversy was hotly agitated when St. Kentigern went to Rome, and perhaps it might be a considerable motive of his Journey; especially in regard an Irish Bishop call'd Albanus, went thither at the same time. And although the British Churches are no where taxed for partaking with those who were divided from the Roman See; yet it might well become the Zeal of so Holy a Bishop as St. Kentigern to inform him­self truly of the state of such a Controversy, as hath been therefore the more at large set down.