Englands old religion faithfully gathered out of the history of the Church of England, as it was written by Venerable Bede, almost a thousand years agoe (that is) in the year 698 after the passion of our Saviour : Bede saith he ended this history in the year 731 after the incarnation : we have not altered any part of this Fathers own words in any point concerning faith : only here and there is omitted what belongeth not to that purpose / by H.B. — Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum. English. Selections

Englands old religion faithfully gathered out of the history of the Church of England, as it was written by Venerable Bede, almost a thousand years agoe (that is) in the year 698 after the passion of our Saviour : Bede saith he ended this history in the year 731 after the incarnation : we have not altered any part of this Fathers own words in any point concerning faith : only here and there is omitted what belongeth not to that purpose / by H.B. — Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum. English. Selections

Table of contents

Title page

THE PREFACE TO HIS Dear COUNTREYMEN.

Book. 1. Chap. 1, 2, 3, 4. ENGLANDS old Religion. FAITHFULLY Set forth by Venerable Bede, in his Hiſtory of the Church of England: Omitting onely ſuch things as make not to this purpoſe.

The firſt Book.

1-3

Chap. 4.

5

Chap. 6.

Chap. 7.

CHAP. 8.

9

10

11-12

Chap. 13.

14

Chap. 15.

16

Chap. 17.

Chap. 18.

Chap. 19.

Chap. 20.

CHAP. 21.

22

Chap. 23.

24

Chap. 25.

CHAP. 26.

Chap. 27.

Chapter 28.

Chap. 29.

§

Chap. 30.

Chap. 31.

Chap. 32.

Chap. 33.

34

The Second Book.

Chap. 1.

Chap. 2.

§

Chap. 3.

CHAP. 4.

Chap. 5.

Chap. 6.

Chap. 7.

Chap. 8.

Chap. 9.

Chap. 10.

Chap. 11.

Chap. 12.

Chap. 13.

Chap. 14.

Chap. 15.

Chap. 16.

Chap. 17.

Chap. 18.

Chap. 19.

Chap. 20.

The Third Book.

Chap. 1.

Chap. 2.

Chap. 3.

Chap. 4.

Chap. 5.

Chap. 6.

Chap. 7.

Chap. 8.

Chap. 9.

Chap. 10.

Chap. 11.

Chap. 12.

Chap. 13.

Chap. 14.

Chap. 15.

Chap. 16.

Chap. 17.

Chap. 18.

Chap. 19.

Chap. 20.

Chap. 21.

Chap. 22.

Chap. 23.

Chap. 24.

Chap. 25.

Chap. 26.

§

Chap. 27.

Chap. 28.

Chap. 29.

Chap. 30.

The Fourth Book.

Chap. 1.

Chap. 2.

Chap. 3.

Chap. 4.

Chap. 5.

§

Chap. 6.

Chap. 7.

Chap. 8.

Chap. 9.

Chap. 10.

Chap. 11.

Chap. 12.

Chap. 13.

Chap. 14.

15

Chap. 16.

Chap. 17.

Chap. 18.

Chap. 19.

Chap. 20.

Chap. 21.

Chap. 22.

Chap. 23.

Chap. 24.

Chap. 25.

Chap. 26.

Chap. 27.

Chap. 28.

Chap. 29.

Chap. 30.

Chap. 31.

Chap. 32.

The Fifth Book.

Chap. 1.

Chap. 2.

§

Chap. 3.

Chap. 4.

Chap. 5.

Chap. 6.

Chap. 7.

Chap. 8.

Chap. 9.

Chap. 10.

Chap. 11.

Chap. 12.

Chap. 13.

Chap. 14.

Chap. 15.

Chap. 16.

Chap. 17.

Chap. 18.

Chap. 19.

Chap. 20.

Chap. 21.

Chap. 22.

Chap 23.

Chap. 24.

The words of venerable Bede in the 3 Tome of his works.

§

Faults eſcaped.

§

[Page] [Page] [Page] ENGLANDS OLD RELIGION Faithfully gathered out of the HISTORY OF THE CHƲRCH of ENGLAND.

As it was written by Venerable BEDE, almoſt a Thouſand years agoe, (that is) in the year 698. after the Paſſion of our SAVIOUR.

BEDE ſaith he ended this Hiſtory in the year 731. after the Incarnation.

We have not altered any part of this Fathers own words in any Point concerning Faith; only here and there is omitted what belongeth not to that purpoſe.

By H. B.

It was needful for me to exhort you, that you ſhould earneſtly contend for the Faith which was once delivered. Jude, v. 5.

At Antwerp, With Permiſſion. 1658.

THE PREFACE TO HIS Dear COUNTREYMEN.

[Page]

[Page]

[...]

[Page]

[Page]

THat the faith firſt delivered was the true faith no man can deny, but he that will accuſe Chriſt, and his Apoſtles of falſhood. All the difficulty is how aſsuredly to know this faith. To come to know it by force of argument and diſputation ſurpaſſeth the capacity of moſt, wearieth many, brings many to deſpair lulling them at laſt into a total neglect of that whereof they ought to be moſt diligent. It would doubtleſſe be a very ready and eaſie way even to the moſt unlearned to find this faith out moſt aſsuredly (if it were poſſible) with ſmall expences and little labour, by travelling into ſome countrey where all men confeſs this true faith to be ſtill uncorruptedly practiſed. For there without any noiſe of diſputation, we ſhal ſtand veiwing with our own eies, what is practiſed in that happy country, ſo that though a thouſand crafty ſophyſters and ſubtile diſputants [Page] ſhould go about by words to perſwade me who am unlearned that the practiſes of that country, were not the ſame that my own eyes moſt att [...]ntively and frequently ſee again and again, it wil not be poſſible for me prudently to give the leaſt credit to theſe captious diſputants: but I would ever credit more my own eyes then their arguments.

Now then all the difficulty is how to make us witneſſes of what is practised in ſuch a country as undoubtedly holdeth and practiſed the true faith, and to doe this with ſmal expence amd little labour. I hope (deareſt country man) thou canst not ſay that the price of this little hook can either put thee to any conſiderable expence, or the labour of ſome three or at the moſt four howers required for the reading thereof put thee to much labour. Yet if this be done by thee thou wilt be as good as an eye witneſſe of the faith practiſed in our countrey in that age wherein it is very eaſie to prove the true faith to have undoubtedly flouriſht in this our countrey. Firſt becauſe this faith was confirmed by the Preachers thereof with a number of miracles related in this ſhort book written by as worthy a man as ever was known to have handled Pen in England, in a book which no man ever judgd corrupted or written by any other pen [Page] then Venerable Bedes a perſon not to be paralel'd by any other of our nation. Secondly This faith here deſcribed as practiſed in England immediately upon her converſion under Pope Gregory was not found one jot differring from that faith which the Scotts before us had received by Palladius their Apostle ſent by Pope Celeſtine Anno. 423. as we ſhew here out of Bede li. 1. c. 13. Only the Scotts fell to celebrate Eaſter at a wrong time not uſing likewiſe the ſame manner of ſhaving their crowns in their clergy either Religious or Secular. They differed not about any one of theſe points in which Proteſtants differ from Roman Catholicks as we note l. 4. c. 4. whence being at laſt brought viz. to keep Eaſter, and to uſe the ſame manner of ſhaving the crowns of their Priests and Monks, which the Engliſh did, they diſagreed from them in nothing at all, as is cleer out of the three laſt chapters of Bede. The Faith therefore which thou here ſeeſt practiſed in England, is the very ſame which was held forth and practiſed in Scotland from the firſt converſion thereof, which was not four hundred years after Chriſts paſſion, it being but four hundred and twenty three years after his Incarnation as hath been ſaid; yea this Faith thus practiſed in England, is [Page] the very ſelf ſame which was taught the old Britans a little more then a hundred years after Chriſts Paſſion. For it was in the hundred fifty ſixth year after his Incarnation that holy pope Eluetherius ſent thoſe Apoſtolick preachers, who baptized King Lucius and his people as you ſhall ſee l. 1. c. 4. The old Britans being by the Engliſh (who ſubdued this land being as yet heathens) driven into Wales ſtill kept the faith they received, and at the time that the Engliſh were converted they were not found to differ, from what S. Auſtin taught the Engliſh, in any one point, in which the Proteſtants or any of our other Religions differ from Roman Catholicks, in ſo much that as Bede relateth l. 2. c. 2. they were ready to joyn with Auſtine if he had but riſen up unto them when their ſeven Biſhops entred the ſynod where he was, and in this ſynod all their controverſie then was about keeping Eaſter at a ſeveral time, and about ſome difference in Baptiſme: neither was there any point hindring Auſtine to hold communion with them but theſe two. They remaining obſtinate in defending theſe againſt the Roman and univerſal Church became Schiſmaticks, were confuted by miracle, and their ruine miraculouſly foretold to be at hand for this their diviſion, and [Page] ſchiſm, God preſently fulfilling the propheſ [...]e. The faith then, which thou in this Hiſtory behouldeſt practiſed in our Engliſh Church in all points now in contr [...]verſie, is the very ſame with that ſaith, which the old Britans received a very little more then a hundred years after Chriſts paſſion, in which Age all agree the true faith of Chriſt to have been uncorruptedly delivered; it being not a full hundred yeares after the finiſhing of the Scripture.

Behold then according to the reach of thy capacity without carrying thee out of thy own countrey or pariſh I have brought thee into one in which all men muſt needs confeſse the true faith to [...]e moſt uncorruptedly practiſed as well at that time in which this Hiſtory was written, as at the fo [...]rth Age when this faith was practiſed in Scotland, as alſo at the entrance of the ſecond Age in which this faith was practiſed by our old Britans. Begin then to travel through this countrey as it was in that Age by the benefit of this book, which is no new one but written in the very words in which I give it thee (For as much as concerns all points of faith therein delivered) almoſt a thouſand years agoe and when theſe things were but juſt done and even upon the place, in which they were done, that [Page] ſo thou mightſt [...] be aſſured that neither diſtance of time, or place, hindred our moſt learned and holy Hiſtorian from telling the very truth; ſpend but a few hours I pray thee in travelling over this book, and it will make thee though thou best unlearned as good as an eye witneſse of the faith which was firſt delivered by Chriſt and his Apoſtles and their immediate ſucceſsours, ſo that I hope in God a thouſand crafty ſophiſters ſhall not be able to make thee deny that thou haſt ſeen, what thine own eyes moſt aſſuredly teſtifie to have attentively beheld, viz. that is, the true Old Religion as it was in her beſt age.

And becauſe travellers deſire to have Card or Map, of all the countryes and Townes which they are to ſee in their Travels. I will alſo, as in a ſhort Map give thee a brief ſum of all that thou art to ſee practiſed in this Old Church of England when ſhe was in her greateſt purity, that is when ſhe was agreeing wholy with the faith practiſed in the beginning of the ſecond age after Chriſt. Come then along with me where thou ſhalt ſee Firſt among the old Britans, before ever Auſten entr [...]d England ſuch ſwarmes of Monks that even that one Abbey or Monaſtery of Bangor contained above one and twenty hundred Monks. Scotland alſo which received [Page] her Faith in the fourth Age after Chriſts Paſſion, ſends forth her Monks to joyn with thoſe Apoſtles ſent us by St. Gregory and his Succeſſors. But now in this our new Engliſh Church to be a Monk is to be a Traitor: then they were our Apoſtles.

Secondly, Theſe Apoſtles of ours did Miracles ſo frequently, that the Pope thought it neceſſary to write to them to be mindful of humility, ſor fear the multitude of Miracles they wrought might by pride endanger them.

Thirdly, our Engliſh, both high and low, eagerly then embraced Monaſtical Vows. This courſe of life was accounted the moſt ready way to Heaven. Our Kings left their Thrones, and ſhaving the crowns of their heads, put on the habit of poor Monks. Everywhere in your travels you ſhall meet with Abbyes and Abbots, and Abbeſſes, with Monaſteries and Monks, with Nuns, and Nunneries.

Fourthly, Theſe Monks and Nuns, ſhine frequently with extraordinary ſanctity of life, are endowed with the gift of Prophecy, very often made partakers of Heavenly Viſions and Apparitions, and graced with many Miracles.

Fifthly, The Vow'd Virginity of theſe [Page] Nuns is approv'd from Heaven; and by reaſon of theſe Vowes they are called Virgins conſecrated to Chriſt, Spouſes of Chriſt, true Queenes eſpouſed to the Heavenly Bridegroom.

Sixthly, In the very Deſart thou ſhalt meet with Hermits, with Anchorets, with men leading a perfect ſolitary life, uſing extraordinary auſterity in faſting, watching, and other penal rigours, and theſe men graced from Heaven with Miracles.

If thou hadſt rather look upon the Layity, thou ſhalt find

Seventhly, That among them it is a point of great ſanctity to joyn perpetual Virginity with Wedlock, and God approveth alſo this by Miracle.

Eighthly, Thou ſhalt find good works done by all for hope of reward, and theſe good works held to be the golden cords lifting them up to Heaven: Moreover, they are judged according to their Works, and not accounted juſtified by faith only.

Ninthly, Sins believed to be redeem'd by good Works, and ſatisfaction to be made by our patient ſufferings.

Tenthly, They confeſs to Prieſts the ſecret ſins of their heart moſt openly and plainly, doing the pennances enjoyn [...]d them for ſatiſfaction.

[Page] 11. They rigorouſly faſt all Fridays and the 40. daies in Lent, and the tranſgreſſors are puniſh't by Law.

12. They go on Pilgrimage even as far as Rome, both King and people practiſe this as a thing of great vertue.

13. They everywhere worſhip Reliques, God confirming it by many Miracles: Hence Reliques were eſteem'd preſents for Kings.

14. They uſe Invocation of Saints, holding their unworthineſs to be ſupplied by their Merits, and therefore deſiring to have them for Patrons in Heaven: And God approveth this their devotion by a world of Miraculous Graces given at the devout Invocation of theſe Saints.

15. They daily pray for the Dead, and it was a common Proverb then to ſay, God have mercy on their ſoules, as Oſwald ſaid when he died himſelf.

16. Hence that party found credit among the moſt underſtanding and moſt Vertuous of thoſe Times, who reported bimſelf in a miraculous Viſion to have been an eye-witneſs of Purgatory-paines, and to have been told by an Angel that very thing which the Papiſts in theſe daies ſay, that many ſouls are delivered from Purgatory before the day of Judgment,

[Page] 17. That this deliverance is effected by Alms and other good deeds done for them, eſpecially by offering the Sacrifice of the Maſs, both which laſt poin [...]s as well the Greeks as the Latins defin'd in the Councel of Florence in theſe words: Theſe ſoules who are purged as aboveſaid (that is, by the Prayers, Alms, and other pious works, and by the Sacrifice of the Maſs) are forthwith received into Heaven, and behold God clearly; In coelum mox recipi & intueri clare Deum.

18. Hence alſo he fin [...]s the like Credit, who recounted of himſelf, that, when in a Battel it was reported he was ſlain (whereas he was not ſlain but only kept priſoner in fetters) his Brother, who was a Prieſt & tho [...]ght ſo, ſaying often Moſs for his ſoules releaſe, his fetters alwayes fell off on their own accord, God teſtifying what ſhould have befaln his ſoul, had he been priſoner in Purgatory.

19. Hence alſo they make Vows of practiſing extraordinary Auſterities to ſatisfie in this world for their ſins; which Vows are here approv'd from Heaven.

But becauſe I know thou longeſt moſt to view attentively their Churches, their Church-Service and their Clergy, and the manner of the Government inſtituted by [Page] Chriſt ſhining in the Primitive practice of his Church for. The 20. Point, That thou ſhalt everywhere ſee their Churches dedicated to the Virgin-Queen of Heaven, to the Apoſtles and Holy Martyr [...].

21. In this de [...]ication Holy Water is uſed, as alſo [...]oly oy [...]: b [...] both which Miracles at ſeveral occaſions ar [...] wrought.

22. Their Altars alſo of Stone are conſecrated; ſo alſo their Chalices, which are ſometimes ma [...]e of pure gold; they have rich Church-ſtuf [...]e, Altar-clothes: They have man [...] Altars of ſ [...]one in one Church: theſe they alſo dedicate to Saints.

23. The Sacrifice of the Maſs is offered upon theſe Altars. And becauſe in journeys among Heathens, Altars of ſtone cannot be found, they carry with them portable Altars.

24. By theſe Altars the bodies of Saints are richly enſhrin'd, and upon the Altars are plac't Reliques brought from other places even as far as Rome.

25. A number of lights both day and night burn in theſe holy places.

26. They uſe Pictures of our Saviour, and of our Lady, and place in their Churches Croſſes of gold and ſilver.

27. Their Prieſts who are ordain'd for [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] the Miniſtery of the Altar, and to offer Satrifices are commanded to live a ſingle life.

28. Theſe Prieſts wear ſhaven crowns in honour of our Saviou [...]s Crown of Thorns, whoſe ignominy they glory to carry in the higheſt part of their body, and profeſs that by it they are tending to a crown of glory.

29. Theſe Prieſts hear Confeſſions, and either preſently give abſolution, or defer it for a time, as they ſee cauſe.

30. They reſerve the Sacrament, which conſequently they often adminiſter in that one kind in which it is reſerved.

31. They uſe Exorciſms againſt the Devils, who are caſt out at their command many times.

32. The people flock to them to crave their bleſſing.

33. They give this Bleſſing with their hand [making the ſign of the Croſs] God ſometimes miraculouſly curing the ſick by the bleſſing of holy Prieſts and Biſhops.

34. The Biſhops who ordain and govern theſe Prieſts, are themſelves governd by their Metropolitans and Primats. Theſe Primats are placed in this Authority by the Pope, and alwaies inveſted hy him, giving them their Pall to uſe only at ſolemn Maſs.

35. The Primacie of the Biſhop of Canterbury [Page] is not inſtituted by any King, but by the Pope, giving that Biſhop full power over all Engliſh Biſhops, though living then under ſeveral Kings.

36. Theſe Biſhops, when they ſuffer any grievances from their Metropolitans, or Primats in England, do make their Appeal immediately unto the Pope, as to their higheſt Superior on Earth: their Accuſers proſecute their Accuſation not in England, but in the Popes Court at Rome: they being there caſt, obey humbly in their own Kingdom, and by the ſentence of the Pope, Engliſh Biſhops depos'd, are acknowledg'd to be legally reſtor'd, and this even in a publick Synod of the Engliſh Church. And this Appeal uſed hy their moſt holy Biſhops.

37. The moſt holy alſo and moſt Apostolick Biſhops, ask the Popes licenſe and bleſſing to preach to Heathens.

38. They have evermore recourſe to the Pope in the moſt important Eccleſiaſtical cauſes.

39. They admit the uſe of ſuch priviledges as the Pope granteth to any in England.

40. They admit of more Councels then the four General Councels.

41. The Pope, in theſe Ages, is ſtiled Biſhop of the whole World. He is ſaid to exerciſe [Page] this his Supremacy in place of S. Peter, who is call'd the firſt Paſtor of the Church; and Prince of the Apoſtles is the ordinary name by which then at every word they call'd S. Peter. S. Peter alſo owneth the deeds of his Succeſſors, who alſo give the bleſſing of S. Peter to Kings as to inferiors: for without all contradiction the leſs is bleſs'd by the better, as S. Paul ſaith, Heb. 7. v. 7. Hence alſo as a father he calleth Kings his ſons.

42. He ſends Apoſtolick Preachers over the world.

43. Thoſe who divide from Prelats commiſſioned by him, are accounted Schiſmaticks, and God bringeth ruine upon them, as is miraculouſly by ſuch Prelats prophecied unto them. They alſo by manifeſt Miracle are convicted to follow falſity.

44. The Tradition of the Church is to be held, and that of the Church of Rome is preferr'd before all other.

45. The Church of Rome held at this time Catholick and Apoſtolick.

46. The yearly Feaſts kept by us after the cuſtom of the Roman Church.

47. Conformity to be held with that Church which is ſpread over the face of the Earth.

[Page] 48. Decrees of Councels to be obſerv'd, and that it is a damnable ſin to hold againſt the Church, when we are fully certified that ſhe teacheth ſuch or ſuch a point contrary unto us.

49. All theſe things were believ'd and practis'd by the Engliſh Church at that Age, in which ſhe in all things followed the Catholick Rule. As here Bede teſtifieth.

Behold (dear Countrymen) near half a hundred things, all to be ſeen by thee in that old Engliſh Church, of which not any one can be ſeen in the preſent Engliſh Church. This thou beholding attentively with thy own eies, without any noiſe of diſputation, or intanglement of captious arguments, wilt be able manifeſtly to conclude, that all theſe half hundred points ſo oppos'd and ſcoffed at by all Proteſtants, ſhew thoſe ancient Engliſh not to have been Proteſtants. And to ſee this thou canſt not but have learning enough, if thou canſt but read. It is alſo here as clearly to be ſeen, that no one of thoſe Religions with which England doth now ſo abound, was the Religion of thoſe daies. And that all that you moſt ſcoff at in the Religion which you call Popery, was then moſt in uſe. Now leſt thou ſhouldeſt not obſerve theſe thing, as thou readeſt this little [Page] book I have everywhere in the Margent noted down for thee all the places where every one of theſe half hundred points may be beheld by thee in the ſhort paſſage through this Book.

In leſs then a quarter of an hour thou (by caſting an eye upon theſe Marginal notes) maieſt take a ſufficient proof of any point here mentioned, and ſee if what I ſay be not as clearly to be ſeen in the practiſe of this old pure Church, as it is here ſet down by me in this Summary of ſuch things as are in this Book to be view'd. Whence the Reader cannot but ſee either the groſs ignorance or over-laſhing boldneſs of Dr. Henry Ferne, who durſt lately ſay, that the faith which England caſt off in Hen. the 8. his daies (or rather in the daies of Q. Fliz.) was not the ſame faith which was brought into England at our converſion under S. Gregory; and thac if we had kept that faith, the Engliſh Church could not juſtly have in this Age divided from the former Engliſh Church: And yet neither he, nor any though never ſo learned a Proteſtant Dr. is able to ſhew the time when, or the place where, or the perſons who, or the means [...]y which, or any one ſingle point in which all England chang'd the faith receiv'd under S. Gregory. That faith (as we [Page] prov'd in the beginning of this Preface) was the ſame which the Scots had receiv'd in the fourth Age, and which the old Britans received even in the beginning of the 2d. Age after Chriſts Paſſion, not full 100. years after the Scripture was finiſht. At that t [...]me then undoubtedly the faith of England was uncorrupt: You have eaſt off the faith agreeing in all points now in controverſie with that faith; therefore you have [...] off the true faith. And this very faith is the only faith which England cannot now endure, but forceth us point by point to abjure in her new coined oath of Abjuration: ſo unlike is this preſent Engliſh Church to the Old Engliſh Church. If this ſhort Work makes thee not to ſee this with thy eies, I deſire no kind of credit with thee; but if with thy own eies thou ſeeſt all this, then I beſeech thee as thou loveſt thy own ſoul, not to let thoſe find credit with thee, who would perſwade thee that to be falſe, which thy eies tell thee to be moſt true.

I know there is no way to anſwer this ſo palpable a conviction, but by finding ſome ſhift to detract from this Hiſtorie: what ſhift this will be I cannot deviſe. Firſt, Thou canſt not ſay that the Hiſtory ſaith not what we make it ſay: For we ſpeak in [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] this most Ancient Authors own Words, tmoſt faithfuly tranſlated, as often as we come to touch upon any Point of Faith. Secondly, Thou canſt not ſay that the Words of this Author deſerve not all credit: For this were both to diſcredit our whole Nation, which never yet from the beginning of the World is kno [...]n to have brought forth an Hiſtorian of greater credit. (For I beſeech thee tell me, if thou canſt, who that Hiſtorian was.) And this alſo were to gainſay all Antiquitie, which even when Bede lived did read his Works in the Church by the Title of Venerable: For they could not call him Saint, [...]e being yet living. And hence this Title ſtill remaines, though Antiquity after death ever held him for a Saint. Whence Polidore Virgil alledging Bede, ſaith. Bede an Engliſhman, then whom, none more chaſte, none more true. And your own Cambden treating of the Biſhoprick of Durham, ſaith. Here our Bede was bo [...]n, the ſingular Glory and Ornament of England, who for his Piety and Learning got the ſirname of Venerable. He beſtowed all his diligence (as himſelfe ſaith) in Meditation of the Scripture, and amidſt the ſurging waves of Barbariſme [Page] wrote many moſt Learned Volumes: So He. And indeed Bede was the St. Auſtin of our Nation. The time he lived in, made him a moſt near borderer unto the very things which he wrote, and he lived upon the very place where they were done: In which place, at that time no man of any Conſcience or Credit wo [...]ld ſo much as venture to write things then notoriouſly known to be contrary to truth by all intelligent perſons, eſpecially very often citing eye-witneſſes ſtill living, as he doth. There was then no Jeſuit at his elbow to prompt him how to ſet forth his Hiſtorie to the advantage of ſuch Papiſts as ſhould be in their daies, that is, ſome eight or nine hundred yeares after. Thirdly, Thou can [...]t not ſay that the Faith of this Age was corrupted in any point, in which Roman Catholicks differ from Proteſtants, or from any of our many Religions in England. For I have already ſhewed (N. i.) that the Faith of this Age in all thoſe points agreed with the Faith not onely of the Fourth Age, in which the Scots receiv'd this very Faith, but alſo with the Faith which was not a hundred yeares after the finiſhing of the Scripture: at which time [Page] our old Britans receiv'd this very ſelf-ſame Faith. That Faith was not corrupted: This was that very Faith, this therefore was not corrupted. Fourthly, That all we have taken out of Bede his Latine or Engliſh Copies, is wholly conformable to the Saxon Tranſlation of Bede, made ſo long agoe by King Alfride, and lately ſet forth by Abraham Welock a prime Proteſtant Doctor. For it was in all theſe places diligently conferred with that Tranſlation. Lastly, If thou ſayeſt this Hiſtorie is incredible, becauſe it relates ſo many (to thee) incredible Hiſtories: I muſt tell thee, that either all ancient Hiſtorians and Fathers, who wrote any part of Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory, did notoriouſly lye, or elſe the like things happened alſo in all other Countreys at the times, and near to the times of their firſt converſion. St. Gregory did write a great while after the converſion of Italy, and yet his Dialogues ſpeak of great wonders. Read alſo St. Auſtins moſt undoubted and moſt [...]minent Work of the City of God, in which l. 22. c. 28. he recounts above twenty Miracles done by the interceſſion of Saints; and addeth, that many Books would not contain their number. Read [Page] St. Hierome, St. Ambroſe, St. Greg. Nazian. St. Athanaſius. Read Euſebius, or the Tripartite History of Socrates, Sozomen, and Theodoret: Read Euagrius, Palladius, or Nicephorus, and they all both in Eaſt and Weſt tell as incredbile Hiſtories and Miracles as any be in Bede. And though poſſibly ſome of theſe things ſhould be falſe (for to many he adds ſuch proofes as make them undeniable) yet we are hence aſſured what kind of Stories were then held forth as probable, and never rejected by any as containing a confirmation of any doctrine different from the preſent Faith of that Age. And I would have my Reader know that I relate them ſo plentifully for this end: and that it may appear what kind of Stories ſuch men as Bede (that is, ſuch as England cannot match) believed to be true in that pure Age, and related to have them believed by Poſterity, which Bede and the chiefeſt of the Fathers would not have done, were they not conformable to the Faith of that Age. And againſt this Argument, thus taken from theſe Hiſtories, no Proteſtant can give ſo much as any thing like an Anſwer, for [Page] it ſtrikes them dumb. I will no further detain thee (Dear Countreym [...]n) from making that ſhort Journey through this book which may be of ſo great benefit unto thee, a Journey of a very few hours which may bring thee to the knowledge of or [...]ering thy waies ſo that by Gods grace (which I deſire thee in the beginning moſt earneſtly to implore) thou may'ſt be conducted ſafely to the never ending Jo [...]es of the Heavenly Countrey.

Dear Reader, the benefit of this Preface will chiefly be found if thou readeſt it again after thou haſt read the Book it ſelf

Book. 1. Chap. 1, 2, 3, 4.
ENGLANDS old Religion.
FAITHFULLY Set forth by Venerable Bede, in his Hiſtory of the Church of England: Omitting onely ſuch things as make not to this purpoſe.

[Page]

The firſt Book.

1-3

Chap. 1, 2, 3. In theſe Chapters there is nothing to our preſent purpoſe: They onely contain the State of Civill affairs in Britany.

Chap. 4.

IN the year of our Lords Incarnation 156. Lucius King The old Britans receive their Faith from the Pope 156. of the Britans, wrote to Eleutherius a holy man, then Pope [Page] of the Church of Rome, deſiring, that by his appointment he might be made a Chriſtian. Which requeſt being granted him, the Britains received the Faith and kept it ſound and undefiled untill Diocleſians time.

5

In the 5. Chapter, nothing to our purpoſe: It deſcribes onely the Wall made between England and Scotland.

Chap. 6.

Diocleſian and Maximian raiſing the Tenth Perſecution againſt the Chriſtians, caus'd the Churches to be ſpoil'd, the Chriſtians to be tormented and kill'd: For ten years it continued burning of Churches, baniſhing Innocents, murdering [Page] of Martyrs: Among other places Britany was at this time honoured with the glory of many holy Martyrs, who conſtantly dyed in Confeſſion of their Faith.

Chap. 7.

Among others ſuffered, St. Alban, of whom Fortunatus Prieſt in his Book of the Praiſe of Virgins, reckoning up the Martyrs which from all coaſts came unto God, ſaith,

The fertill Land of Britany brings forth,

Her Proto-Martyr Alban of great worth.

This Alban being yet a Pagan, when the cruell Edicts of the Englands firſt Martyr for entertaining a Prieſt in his houſe. wicked Princes were ſet forth againſt the Chriſtians, receiv'd into his houſe one of the Clergy, [Page] who had fled from the Perſecutours, and obſerving him night and day, to continue in Prayer and Watching, ſuddenly touch'd with the grace of God, he began to follow the example of his Faith and vertue, and inſtructed by his wholeſome Exhortations, forſaking Idolatry, became a Chriſtian. It came to the ears of the Prince, that this holy Confeſſour of Chriſt (whoſe Amph [...]bal this holy Prieſts Name. time was not come that God had aſſigned for him to ſuffer) lay hid in Alban's houſe: Whereupon Souldiers were ſent to apprehend him, but St. Alban apparrelled in his gueſts and Maſters garments, preſented himſelf unto them. When they brought Alban, it hapned that the Judge was doing ſacrifice unto the Devils, who [Page] beholding him, and incenſed with anger for that he feared not to offer himſelf unto death for his gueſt; he commanded him to be brought before the Idols. For as much (quoth he) as thou hadſt rather convey away the Rebell and Traitour Chriſtian Prieſt-hood treaſon under Diocleſian. to our gods, than to deliver him up to deſerved puniſhment, what pains he ſhould have ſuffered, if he had been taken, the ſame ſhalt thou undergo, if thou refuſeſt to practiſe the rites of our Religion. But St. Alban, who had voluntarily declared himſelf a Chriſtian, little heeded the menaces of the Prince, but being throughly guarded with the ſpiritual armour of Grace, plainly told him, he would not obey his command. I am a Chriſtian (ſaith he) and I apply my ſelf to Chriſtian duties [Page] and exerciſes. I honour and worſhip the true and living God. Theſe ſacrifices which thou offereſt to the Devils help not the offerer, but purchaſe them eternal pains. The Judge hereupon commanded the holy Confeſſor of God, to be beaten by the Tormentors, but Alban in his ſufferings was patient and couragious. Then the Judge ſentenced him to be beheaded. As he was led to execution, he came to a floud which ſwiftly ran betwixt him and the place where he was to ſuffer. The company was great, and the bridge narrow, ſo that it was likely to be Evening before they could all paſs; Alban deſirous of death, coming to the river ſide, made his Prayer, and ſaw forth with A Miracle. the bottom dry, the water giving [Page] place to him, and to the people to paſs over: Which the Executioner ſeeing (not without the holy inſpiration of God) fell down at his feet, and caſting from him his ſword ready drawn, deſired rather to ſuffer himſelf than do the Execution. Then came they to a very pleaſant hill, worthy to be dedicated by the bloud of the bleſſed Martyr. At the top whereof, Alban begg'd of God to give him water, and ſtrait there aroſe a Spring at his Feet, whereby all A Miracle. perceiv'd that as the River before in obedience to him was dryed up, ſo water was now given at his entreaty. Here this moſt valiant Martyr being beheaded, received the Crown of life, which God promiſeth to thoſe that love [Page] him. But he who did the Execution had ſhort joy: for his eys fell upon the ground with the Head of the holy Martyr. A Miracle. There alſo was beheaded the Souldier, who being called of God, refuſed to ſtrike the holy Confeſſor, of whom tis manifeſt, though he was not Chriſtned in the Font, yet was he baptized in his own blood; and ſo made worthy to enter heaven. The Judge ſeeing ſo many ſtrange and heavenly miracles wrought by this holy martyr, cōmanded the perſecution ſhould ceaſe, beginning to honor in the Saints of God their conſtant and patient ſuffering death, whereby he thought at firſt to draw them from the devotion of their Faith. St. Alban ſuffered Martyrdome the 20th. day of June [Page] neer the City Verulam (now call'd St. Albans in Hartfordſhire) where (after the Chriſtian Church was calm'd) a Church was built of exceeding rich work, and worthy of ſuch a Martyrdom: In which Daily Miracles at St. Albans about the middle of the third Age untill the ſeventh Age. place eve [...] to this day are ſick perſons cured, and many Miracles wrought: Many more ſuffered in ſundry places, who by perfect victory yeelded their Souls to Heaven.

CHAP. 8.

After the ſtorm of this perſecution was blown over, the Chriſtians, who in time of danger lay hid in dens and deſerts, came forth and ſhewed themſelves abroad, renew'd Churches which were overthrown: [Page] founded, built, and dreſt up new in honour of the holy Martyrs, celebrated holy Churches erected to Martyrs about the year, 400. dayes, conſecrated the divine Myſteries, and every where diſplay'd their Enſignes in ſigne of Victory. This peace Holy-dayes in their Honour. continued in the Church of Chriſt in Britany untill the Arian Hereſie, running through the world, corrupted alſo with venemous Errours this Iſland. When by this means Hereſie had found an open vent to preſs over the Ocean into the ſaid Iſland, ſoon after all manner of Hereſies flowed, in and were received England prone to novelties. by the Inhabitants, they being men delighting ever to hear novelties, and ſtedfaſtly retaining nothing as certain. This Hereſie of the Arians being diſcovered and condemned [Page] in the Councel of Nice, did nevertheleſſe infect not onely other parts of the world, but even the very Churches of the Iſlands with poiſonous Infidelity.

9

In the 9. Chap. nothing but civill Affairs.

10

CHAP. 10. The year of our Lord, 394. This Heretick had the great St. Auguſtine his adverſary whileſt he lived. Arcadius raigning, Pelagius a Britan, diſperſt the Venom of his faithleſs Doctrine; holding that a man might live well without the help of Gods grace.

11-12

In the 11. and 12. Chapters nothing but civil Affairs.

Chap. 13.

[Page]

In the year 423. the 8th. of the Emperour Theodoſius the The Apoſtle of Scotland ſent by the Pope of Rome, an. 423. yonger, Palladius was ſent by Celeſtine Biſhop of the Roman Church to the Scots (who had receiv'd the Faith of Chriſt) to be their Biſhop.

14

In the 14. Chapter nothing.

Chap. 15.

The Engliſh (then Heathens) ſent for out of Germany over run Britany. The Prieſts are every where ſlain at the Altars. The Biſhops with Altars, an. 429 their flock were murdered with fire and ſword, without regard unto their dignity.

16

[Page]

In the 16. Chapter, nothing but civill affairs.

Chap. 17.

A few years before the arrival of the Saxons & Engliſh, the Pelagian Hereſie brought in by Agricola, greatly corrupted the Faith of the Britans. But they being unwilling to receive this lewd doctrine (blaſphemous againſt the grace of God) and yet unable to reſiſt the crafty and wicked perſwaſions of their Adverſaries, took this wholeſome Counſel to ſeek for ayde from the Biſhops of France. A Councel being call'd, the French conſulted among themſelves whom they ſhould ſend. By the judgment of all the Apoſtolical Biſhops [Page] Germanus and Lupus were choſen to paſs over into Britany: Germanus Biſhop of Auxerre Lupus was firſt a Monk in the Abbey oſ Lirine, and thence made Biſhop of Troyes. Who with great alacrity, receiving the Orders and Commands of the holy Church, put to Sea. Whilſt they were under ſail, the Devill envying ſuch men ſhould go to the recovery of that People, raiſed a dangerous tempeſt. Germanus Biſhop, feeble of body, through wearineſs fell a ſleep, then Lupus and the reſt call'd upon him. Germanus more conſtant in the greatneſs of the danger, invoketh Chriſt, and taking in the name of the holy Trinity a The miraculous uſe of Holy water, about 430. few ſprinkles of water, caſteth i [...] into the Sea: Forth with the rage of the ſtorm breaketh; God being called upon defered not his help; the enemy is chaſed away, and they ſet on land where they deſited. A [Page] multitude of People aſſembling received the Prieſts of God; of whoſe coming the wicked ſpirits gave notice, and afterward being expell'd out of the obſeſs't bodies, at the command of Preiſts, they declared Devills caſt out at the command of Prieſts about 430. both the manner of the tempeſt they raiſed, and the danger like to have enſued, confeſſing they were overcome by their merits and command. Upon their arrivall, they filled the Iſland with their good name, preaching and vertues, and the word of God was taught by them as well in Churches, as in the open ſtreets, and in the Countrey; ſo that in all places, the found and Faithful Catholikes were confirmed, and they that before ſwarved from truth were reduced. Thus in ſhort [Page] time, through their authority, vertue and learning, the whole Country was brought under obedience to their Doctrine. The Authors of Heretical errour lay lurking all this while, and like the wicked ſpirits were vext to ſee the people daily fall from them. At length they undertook to try the matter by open diſputation, which being conſented to, they come forth richly and ſumptuouſly apparell'd, attended by a number of flatterers, chuſing rather to commit their cauſe to open conteſt, than ſeem to the People, whom they had ſubverted, to have nothing to ſay in defence thereof. Thither flockt a great number of people with their wives and children. The bleſſed Prieſts German and Lupus [Page] gave their Adverſaries leave to ſpeak firſt, who vainly entertain'd the people with naked words. Then the reverend Biſhops poured forth their Eloquence, confirm'd with ſacred Texts from the Goſpel and Apoſtles. Thus vanity was convinced, falſehood confuted, and in effect at every objection, their Adverſaries were forced to confeſſe their errour, not being able to anſwer. The people could hardly hold their hands from them, yet ſhewed they their judgement by their acclamations.

Chap. 18.

This done, a certain Colonel cometh forth, offering them his daughter of ten [Page] years old to be cured, who was blinde. They bad him carry her to their Adverſaries: but they (their own conſcience frighting them from ſuch an enterpriſe) joyn with the girls Parents, deſiring the Prieſts to doe the cure; who ſeeing their Adverſaries diſmaid, made their Prayer. Then Germanus full of the holy Ghoſt, Cuſtome of wearing holy Relicks. calling upon the bleſſed Trinity, looſeth from his neck a little bag full of Reliques of the holy Saints, and in the ſight of them all, applyed it to the eyes of the Maid: VVhereupon ſhe ſtrait receiv'd Theſe Relicks work miracles. her ſight, to the great joy of her parents, and the amazement of the people at the Miracle. From that day, the ſaid errours were ſo rooted out, [Page] that with moſt earneſt deſire, they all imbraced the doctrine of the Biſhops. Thus damned falſhood being ſuppreſt, the Authors confuted, and all mens minds inſtructed in purity of Faith, they went to St. Albans, to give God praiſe and thanks by him. Where Germanus having Reliques of the Pilgrimages to Saints bodies Ann. 430. Apoſtles and divers Martyrs, making his prayer, commanded the Tomb to be opened, with intent there to depoſite thoſe precious treaſures, thinking it good, that the In ſhrining of Rolicks. members of the Saints gotten in divers Countries might be ſhrin'd together in one Tomb, who like in Merits rejoyced with God in Heaven. Which being done with much honor, Veneration of Relicks. he took ſome of the duſt of the place, where the holy [Page] Martyrs blood was ſhed, and carried it away with him, and a great number were that day converted.

Chap. 19.

As they were returning back, it happened (by the Devils procurement) that Saint German by a fall brake his leg, that ſo by the affliction of the body, the merits of the holy man might be more encreaſed, VVhileſt by reaſon of his weakneſs he was fain to tarry ſtill in one place, the next houſe to his lodging was by A Miracle. chance ſet on fire, which having conſumed all neer it, drew nigh where this good man lay. But that the power of God might appear, the fire [Page] ſpoiled whatſoever the people ſought to ſave, except what the ſick man lying in his bed preſerv'd: for in the midſt of the raging flames the houſe, which this weak man kept, remain'd untouch'd, all wondring at the Miracle. Before the Cottage of this poor Prelate lay a multitude of people, without number, ſome Multitude of Miracles. to be cured of the maladies of their ſouls, others of their bodies. It cannot be expreſt what Miracles Chriſt wrought by his Servant, and what cures this ſick man did. In the mean time, ſuffering no remedy to be applyed unto himſelf, one night he ſaw a beautifull young man all in White at his bed ſide, who ſtretching forth his hand ſeemed to lift him up and bid him ſtand, and from [Page] that houre his pains were aſſwag'd, and he reſtor'd to health.

Chap. 20.

About this time the Saxons and picts waged war againſt the Britans, who fearing they ſhould not be able to match them, implored the help of the holy Biſhops, who coming to the Camp, filled their hearts with ſuch confidence, as if a mighty Army had been come to aide them. This hapned about the holy time of Lent, which was more devoutly obſerved, through the preſence Lent religiouſly obſerved at the begining of the fourth Age. of the Prieſt [...]: In ſo much as being inſtructed by continual preaching, many of the Countrey were daily Chriſtned, and [Page] the greateſt part of the Army required Baptiſm. On Eaſterday, they made in the Campe, the form of a Church, adorning it with boughes, where they were ſolemnly Baptized; by virtue whereof, they became fervent in Faith, and bold in hope of Gods ſtrength. The Enemy having intelligence of their ſober demeanour and order of their Campe, thinking to ſurprize them (being unarm'd) and obtain the victory, marcht in great ſpeed towards them. Now the holydayes of Eaſter being paſt, the Army goeth freſh from Baptiſm A miraeulous Victory. to their weapons. S. German making himſelf their Captain, pickt forth a choice Troup of ſouldiers, placing them covertly in a Valley, where it was thought the enemy [Page] would paſſe, giving them all warning, that as they heard him ſay, they ſhould all anſwer the ſame: Thus ſuddenly breaking out of Ambuſh where they lay, the enemy being not aware of them, the Prieſt of God cryed aloud, thrice together Alleluja, all the Troop repeating, anſwered the ſame. The eccho from the hils reſounded, as though they had been thrice as many: whereat the Enemy was ſo amaz'd, as though heaven had fought againſt them: Whereupon with all ſpeed they fled, caſting away their weapons, thinking it enough if they could eſcape with life. The Britiſh ſouldiers gathered up the ſpoiles, and with great joy acknowledg'd God onely to be the giver of that overthrow. [Page] The Iſland being thus ſet in good order, the Biſhops returned home, to whom God gave a proſperous paſſage both for their own vertues ſake, as alſo at the Interceſſion of the bleſſed Martyr Alban. Interceſſion of Saints.

CHAP. 21.

Not long after word was brought out of the ſame Iſland that the Pelagian Hereſie was reviv'd. Again therefore are directed to the Biſhop, the entreaty of all the Prieſts, that he would go through with the Cauſe of God, which he had taken in hand. So he return'd again (into Britany) with Severus, who was diſciple of the moſt bleſſed Father Lupus, ordain'd Biſhop of Trevers, preaching firſt unto that part of [Page] Germany the word of God. In the mean while, the wicked ſpirits flying about the Iſland, foretold every where (forced thereunto) that St. German was returning: in ſo much as Elafius one of the chief among A Miracle. them, without report of any meſſenger, haſtned to meet the holy men at their arrival, having with him his ſon, who in the flower of his youth had loſt the uſe of his leg, which was ſo ſhrunk, that he could not ſet his foot upon the ground. The whole Country flockt thither to meet them, Biſhops and Prieſts give their bleſſing. where their bleſſing and divine Doctrine was beſtow'd upon the people. They found them as for their Faith as they had left them, onely they found the fault to remain in Biſhops puniſh Hereticks ſome few, thoſe they ſought [Page] after, and finding them, condemn'd them. This done Elafius fell down at the feet of the Biſhops, offering them his ſon, whoſe ſad caſe needed no prayers to crave relief. Forthwith St. German taking the young man to him, felt his knee, and with his bleſſed hand ſearcht through all the affected place, and at his touch each part received health, and the ſinews return'd to their natural courſe, ſo that in ſight of them all he was reſtored to his Father. The people were all aſtoniſhed at the ſtrangeneſs of Catholike Faith confirmed by miracle. the miracle, and the Catholike Faith thereby confirm'd. After this, he preacht to the people to exterminate the ſaid Hereſie, and all aſſenting, the Authours were expell'd the Iſland, and delivered unto [Page] the Prieſts to be carried thence, that by this puniſhment the Countrey might be rid of them and their Hereſies. Hence it came to paſs, that in thoſe places, the Faith for a long time remain'd ſound. Not long after Germanus deceaſed at Ravenna; his corps was convey'd to his own Church with an honourable train, not without Miracles at St. Germans body ſee this holy Biſhops life in Surius July 30. miracles wrought by the way.

22

In the 22. Chapter nothing but civil affairs.

Chap. 23.

In the year of our Lord, 582 the 10. of the Emperour Maurice; The Engliſh receive the Faith from Monks ſent from the Pope An. 582. Gregory, a man moſt renown'd for deeds and learning, was made Biſhop of the [Page] Roman & Apoſtolike ſee, which he govern'd 13. years ſeven months and ten dayes. The Year 150. after the coming of the Engliſh into Britany, this Pope being mov'd by divine inſpiration thereunto, ſent the ſervant of God Auguſtine with many other Monks, fearing God, to preach to the Engliſh Nation. But being on the way, and terrified with the apprehenſion of the journey, they ſent Auguſtine back to the Pope (whom he had there appointed Biſhop, if they were receiv'd) humbly entreating him that they might not proceed: but he exhorted them by letters, that putting their truſt in God, they would go on in their good purpoſe.

Gregory, the ſervant of the ſervants of God, &c. Let not [Page] the hardſhip of the journy daunt you, &c. Aſſuring your ſelves, Good works for hope of reward. that after your great labour, eternal reward ſhall follow. Be in all points obedient unto Auguſtine, whom I have ſent back unto you, and appointed to be your Abbot, Abbots knowing it ſhall much profit your ſouls, what you do in obedience to him. God defend you with his grace, and grant me to ſee the fruit of your labours in Heaven; as alſo that ſince I cannot work my ſelf with you, I may enjoy part of your reward, for the good will I have to labor, God keep you in health my dearly beloved children.

24

In the 24. Chapter, nothing but a letter of the Popes recommending Auguſtine to the Biſhop of Arles in his going for Britany.

Chap. 25.

[Page]

Auguſtine being thus encouraged by St. Gregory, return'd to preach the word of God with the ſervants of Chriſt, which were with him, and arrived in Britany. He and his company in number about forty, landing in the Iſle of Thanet in Kent, ſent word to King Ethelbert, that they came from Rome, and brought him very good news, viz. that ſuch as follow'd and obey'd their Doctrine, ſhould enjoy an everlaſting kingdome in Heaven. The King hearing this, gave command they ſhould abide there, and have all things neceſſary afforded them, untill they heard further from him. Now the [Page] knowledge of Chriſtian Religion was come before unto him, he having maried a Chriſtian Lady out of France, call'd Bertha; upon condition that it ſhould be lawfull for her and the Biſhop that came to aſſiſt her to keep their Faith and Religion. A few dayes after, the King came into the Iſland, and ſeating himſelf without in the open ayre, ſent for Augustine and his companions: He would not ſuffer them to come unto him in any houſe, leaſt if he or his were skilfull in Sorcery, they might prevaile againſt him. But they came to him not with weapons of the Devil, but endowed with the ſtrength of God, carrying before them in lieu of a Banner, a Croſſe of ſilver, and the Image of our [Page] Saviour painted in a Table: and ſinging of Lytanies, they Croſſes, images enter with our Faith and deſtroy Idolatry. pray'd both for themſelves and thoſe for whoſe ſake they came. And ſitting down (as the King commanded them) they preacht unto him and his attendants the word of life. The King replyed. Your words and promiſes are fair, yet becauſe ſtrange and unknown to me, I cannot aſſent unto them, leaving the Religion wherein both I and my people have been ſo long bred up; but ſeeing you are come ſo far to impart unto us ſuch knowledge as you hold to be good and true, we will receive you, and minister to you all ſuch things as be neceſſary for to maintain you: and we are conſenting, that you gain by your Preaching as many as you can to your Profeſſion. Then he allowed them a place [Page] in the City of Canterbury, the head City of his Dominions, providing them what was needfull, and freely permitting them to Preach. It is ſaid as they drew nigh the City, having the Croſs and Image of our Saviour, carried (as the The manner of Proceſſions. manner was) they ſung all in one tune, this Prayer following. We beſeech thee, O Lord, for thy great mercy, that thy fury and anger may be taken from this City, and from thy holy houſe, becauſe we have ſinn'd, The ancient cuſtome of Allelujah in the Church. Allelujah.

CHAP. 26.

Being entred, they began to hold forth the very Apoſtolike order of living, as in the Primitive Church, ſerving God in continuall Prayer, Watching [Page] and Faſting, Preaching the Word of Life, deſpiſing the allurements of this world, as things none of theirs, taking Our Apoſtles addicted to watching, faſting, voluntary poverty. of them whom they inſtructed ſo much onely as might ſupply their wants, living according as they taught, and being ready to ſuffer death in the defence of the Truth they publiſht. Hence it came to paſſe, that many believ'd, and were baptiz'd, marveling much at the ſimplicity of their innocent life, and ſweetneſs of heavenly Doctrine. There was at the Eaſt end of the City a Church built in honour of St. Martin, made whileſt the Romans were in Britany, in A Church dedicated to St. Martin, where they ſay Maſs. which the Queen, a Chriſtian, uſed to pray: Thither they went to Church, and began there firſt to ſing Service, ſay [Page] Maſs, Pray, Teach and Chriſten, till the King being converted to the Faith, they receiv'd ample licenſe to Preach where they would, and either to build new or repair old Churches. And it was not long before the King himſelf much delighted with their purity of life, and example of godly converſation, and by their ſweet promiſes, which they prov'd to be true by working many Miracles, believ'd Our Apoſtles workers of many Miracles in proof of their doctrine. and were baptiz'd. Then the People daily more and more reſorted to their Sermons, and renouncing Heatheniſh Rites, joyn'd themſelves to the unity S. Gregory in a letter to the Biſhop of Alexandria, writes how above ten thouſand were there Chriſtned on Chriſtmaſs-day. of the Holy Church. The King alſo appointed them a place and Seat befitting their Calling, in his head City of Canterbury, giving them neceſſary [Page] poſſeſſions for thier maintenance.

Chap. 27.

After this, the man of God Auguſtine, came to Arles, where by Etherius Archbiſhop of that City, he was ordain'd Archbiſhop of the Engliſh, according as St. Gregory had commanded, and returning into Britany, he ſent Laurence, Prieſt, and Peter, Monk, to Rome, to make relation to St. Gregory, that the Engliſh had receiv'd the Faith, and he made their Biſhop; he alſo requir'd his Anſwer to certain Queries. Pope Gregories anſwer to Auguſtines firſt demand. For as much as you being brought up Our Apoſtle a Monk. under Monaſticall rule, muſt not live apart from your Clergy, [Page] in the Church of the Engliſh, which is but newly entred upon the Faith of Chriſt; you muſt follow the preſcript and form of life which was us'd in the Primitive Church among the Fathers, for there was none among them that Firſt Chriſtian Clergy Regular. ſaid, that to be his own which he poſſeſſed, but all was in common. And if there be any of the Clergy, who having not yet receiv'd holy Orders, cannot Chaſtity of them that took orders. live chaſte; they may take Wives and have their ſtipend allowed▪ them apart from the reſt. Augustines ſecond Demand: Whereas there is but one Faith, why be there ſo many ſundry cuſtoms of the Churches; and one cuſtome of Maſſes obſerv'd in the Maſs in chief parts of Chriſtendome. holy Roman Church, and another in France. Gregories Anſwer: [Page] You knew the cuſtome of the Church of Rome, wherein you were brought up; but if you have found any thing, be it in the Church of Rome, France, or elſwhere, that may pleaſe God more, I am content that you chooſe it, planting in the Engliſh Church (which is but lately come to the Faith) the beſt orders you can gather from them all. Auguſtines nineth queſtion concerns illuſions in Dreams, whither ſuch things hapning, a Lay-man may receive the body of Chriſt, or a Prieſt ſay Maſs. Another of his queſtions is Maſs whether and when Children are to be Baptiz'd. Gregories Anſwer is, that in neceſſity they are preſently to be Baptized. Baptizing Infants.

Chapter 28.

[Page]

nothing but a Letter from the Pope to the Archbiſhop of Arles to aſſiſt Auguſtine.

Chap. 29.

The ſame Pope (for as much as Auguſtine had advertized him that there was a great harveſt and but few labourers) ſent him more Preachers, of which the chiefeſt were Mellitus, Rufinianus, Justus, Paulinus. By theſe he ſent ſuch things as were neceſſary for the Purniture and Miniſtry of the Church, as holy Veſſels, Altar-Cloths, [...] Church ſtuffe, apparrell for Prieſts and Clergie, with Reliques of the holy Apoſtles and Martyrs, and [Page] Books. He ſent him a Pall, and by letters inſtructed him The uſe of the Pall. what order to hold in making Biſhops throughout Britany. Gregories Letter. To his moſt Reverend and holy Brother, Auguſtine, the ſervant of the ſervants of God. Since by the goodneſſe of God, and your industry, the new Church of the Engliſh is brought unto the Faith of Chriſt, we grant unto you, the uſe of the Pall, to wear when you ſay Maſs, Saying of Maſs and we give way, that you ordain Twelve Biſhops under your juriſdiction, but ſo, that the Biſhop of London be henceforth conſecrated by his own Synod, and receive his Pal [...] from this holy and How our Biſhops depended on Rome in their inveſtiture. Apoſtolike See; wherein I by the Authority of God do now ſerve. Alſo our will is, that you ſend a Biſhop to York, to whom we intend to give a Pall: To you [Page] ſhall be ſubject, not onely the Biſhops you make, or he of Yorke, The Primacie of Canterbury in England inſtituted by the Pope, and not by the King. Ann. 600. but all the Prieſts of Britany, to the end that by your manner of life, they may receive a pattern both to believe and live well.

§

Note, that the Pall (wherewith the Pope inveſts Metropolitans) is a ſhoulder-piece imbroidred with Croſſes made not of fine linnen, a [...] the High-Prieſts was, Exod. 28. but of fine ſheeps wool, to minde them of Chriſts carrying the loſt ſheep on his Shoulders. It was firſt laid on St. Peters ſhrine, and given to them thence.

Chap. 30.

[Page]

The holy Father, Gregory, ſent letters to Mellitus, ſhewing how earneſtly he thirſted the good of our Countrey. Ʋnto his dearly beloved Son, Mellitus, Abbot. Gregory, the Abbots ſervant of the ſervants of God. When God ſhall bring you to our Brother, Auguſtine, tell him with ſerious deliberation, I thought fit, that not the Temples, but the Idols in them be broken, that holy Water be Holy Water, Altars, Relicks Birth-dayes of Martyrs. made and ſprinkled about the ſaid Temples, Altars erected, Reliques plac'd. It may be allow'd, that in Dedications or Birth-dayes of Martyrs, whoſe Reliques are there reſerv'd, the people make them bowers, [Page] Feaſting together after a good religious ſort.

Chap. 31.

About this time, Gregory, Our Apoſtle endowed with the grace of Miracles. wrote to Auguſtine concerning ſuch Miracles as he knew done by him, wiſhing him not to run hazard of vain glory, by the great number of them. I know (ſaith he) dear brother, it hath pleaſed God to ſhew by thee great Miracles among the people, whom by thee he hath called to the Faith. Thou hast cauſe to joy that by the means thereof, the Engliſh mens ſouls are won to the Faith: but thou oughteſt to fear, leaſt by the ſaid Miracles, thou by outward praiſe be puffed up, &c.

Chap. 32.

[Page]

Contains the Letter of Pope The Pope imparts the bleſſing of S. Peter Gregory to King Ethelbert, with Preſents, and the bleſſing of St. Peter.

Chap. 33.

Auguſtine being now Biſhop, Chriſt-church in Canterbury obtain'd an old Church, antiently of the Romans, and Dedicated it to the Name of our Saviour, making it a perpetual Monaſteries and Churches in honour of Saints. Seat for him and his Succeſſors. Not far Eaſtward of the City, he built a Monaſtery, to the which King Ethelbert (through his advice) new built a Church to the honour of the Churches conſecrated. Sts. Peter and Paul, enriching it with ſundry gifts. Laurence his Succeſſor conſecrated it. [Page] The firſt Abbot thereof, was one Peter a Prieſt, who being caſt away at Sea, and by the Inhabitants buried after a homely manner: Our Lord intending The firſt Abbot ſhines with Miracles. to have it known, how worthy a man he was, caus'd to appear every night a light from Heaven over the place where he was buried: The Inhabitants gathering hereby that he was ſome holy man, remov'd his body thence, burying it honourably in the town of Bullen in France.

34

In the 34. Chapter, nothing but civil affairs.

The Second Book.

[Page]

Chap. 1.

IN the year 605. holy Pope Gregory having govern'd An. 605. moſt gloriouſly the See of the Roman & Apoſtolike Church, departed this life, to an everlaſting ſeat in Heaven. He converted our Engliſh Nation from the power of Sathan, to the Faith of Chriſt; whom we may well, & alſo muſt call our Apoſtle. For as ſoon as he was High Biſhop over the whole The Pope ſtiled Biſhop of the whole world. world, and appointed Governour of the Churches newly converted; he made our Nation the Church of Chriſt, This Pop [...] ou [...] Apoſtle. which till then had been the bondſlave of Idols: ſo that we [Page] may truly make good the ſaying of the Apoſtle, that although he were not an Apoſtle to others, yet to us he was, for 2 Cor. v. 2. the ſeale of his Apoſtleſhip we are in the Lord. Laying aſide his worldly Nobility by ſpecial grace from God, he turn'd it Firſt a Monk of Eminent Sanctity. to the purchaſing of eternal glory in Heaven. Putting off his ſecular habit, he betook himſelf unto a Monaſtery, where he liv'd in that perfection, that (as he was wont to witneſſe with tears) all tranſitory things became ſubject to him, undervaluing the world, and thinking on nothing but heavenly things; and though immur'd in an earthly body, by contemplation, he ſurpaſt the natural bounds of fleſh, loving death as an entrance unto life. All this he telleth of himſelf, [Page] not boaſting of his encreaſe in virtue, but rather lamenting the want and decay thereof. He ſwarv'd not from Monaſtical perfection, by any occaſion or trouble of his Eccleſiaſtical charge. His Houſe was like a well ordered Monaſtery; for although he was taken thence, and made Biſhop, and ordain'd to the Miniſtery of the Altar, and ſent Legat from the See Apoſtolike to Conſtantinople; yet he never intermitted his wonted courſe Then made Prieſt and the Popes Legat at Conſtantinople. of life, but had with him Religious of the Monaſtery, for the better keeping regular obſervance, that by their example, he might be faſtned as with a ſtrong Anchor to the pleaſant port of prayer, ſtrengthening his ſoul by daily reading and conferring with [Page] them. Whereas other Biſhops took pains in building Churches and beautifying the ſame with gold and ſilver, he altogether was employ'd in gaining ſouls. What money he had he carefully diſtributed among the poor: He made our Nation by Preachers ſent hither, partakers of eternal liberty. This holy Pope, ordain'd that in the Chappel of the bleſſed Maſſes at the bodies of Saints Apoſtles Peter and Paul, Maſſes ſhould be ſaid at their Bodies. The leaſt addition of the Maſs, obſerved by Antiquity, but the firſt uſe of the Maſs it ſelf is too ancient to be obſerved, as begun by the Apoſtles. To the Canon of the Maſſe, he added theſe words (which ſtill appear in our Maſs) diſpoſe our dayes in peace; free us from eternal damnation, and number us in the ſtock of thine Elect. He was buried in S. Peters Church before the Veſtrie. Tis reported that ſeeing, Britiſh children ſold at Rome, he inquired [Page] what was the name of that nation, they told him, they were called Angels or Engliſh, with good reaſon (quoth he) for they have an Angels face, and it is fitting they ſhould be inheritors with the Angels in Heaven. Then he ask't the Name of the Province, the Merchants ſaid, they were called Deires, they may ſo (quoth he) for they ſhall be delivered from the Ire (or anger) of God, and call'd to the mercy of Jeſus Chriſt. Then he asked the Kings Name; they anſwered, his Name was Alle, St. Gregory alluding to his Name ſaid, Alleluja muſt be ſung in that Princes Dominions. Hereupon he beſought the Biſhop of the Roman Apoſtolike See (for S. Gregory his zeal for our converſion. he was not then Biſhop thereof) to ſend into Britany Miniſters [Page] of the Word for their converſion, offering himſelf ready for that work, if ſo it had pleas'd the Apoſtolick Pope: but the Citizens of Rome, would not let him goe ſo far from them. Afterwards being Pope, he accompliſht this good work, ſo long deſired, ſending thither divers Preachers, he himſelf helping at home by Prayer and wholeſome inſtructions.

Chap. 2.

About this time Auguſtine call'd together the Biſhops and Doctours of the greateſt Province, This Synod was held in Worceſterſhire, at a place called Auguſtines Oke. which was of the Britans, perſwading them (as a Brother) to Catholick unity, and to hold communion with him: For as yet they kept not [Page] Eaſter Sunday in due time, but from the 14. to the 20. Moon. They uſed alſo many other things contrary to the Unity of the Church: which being ſhew'd unto them, and that neither for entreaty, nor rebukes of Auguſtine, they would aſſent, preferring their own traditions before all other Churches, which through the whole world agreed with The Roman Tradition confirmed by miracle. them: This Father ſaid unto them; let us pray to God that he will vouchſafe to ſignifie unto us by ſome heavenly ſign, which tradition is to be followed: Let ſome ſick body be brought, and by whoſe prayers he ſhall be healed, let his Faith be believed. His Adverſaries granting unto it, there was brought forth a blinde man, who firſt preſented [Page] to the Britiſh Prieſts, when by them he was not cured, Saint Auguſtine on his knees beſought our Lord to reſtore ſight unto him, that ſo his grace might be enkindled in the hearts of many; and forthwith the blind-man ſaw, and Auguſtine was held of the people as the true Teacher. For all this, they aſſembled a ſecond, and greater Synod, to which (tis ſaid) ſeven Britiſh or Welch Biſhops carne with many learned men, eſpecially from the chiefeſt Monaſtery of Bangor, whereof Dinoch was Abbot. All theſe openly refuſing Abbots ſubjection to Auguſtine, he ſaid to them. Although (deare brethren) in many points you do contrary to us, or rather contrary to the cuſtome of the Ʋniverſall Church; yet if you will in theſe [Page] things agree with us, viz. To celebrate Eaſter in due time, to administer baptiſm according to the manner of the holy Roman and Apoſtolike Church, preaching with us the word of the Lord, to this Engliſh Nation: All your other Ceremonies, Rites, Obſervances and Cuſtoms, though contrary to ours, we will willingly bear with. But they replyed, they would doe none of theſe things, nor hold him for their Archbiſhop: Whereupon the Diviſion from the Church of Rome. man of God, Augustine, threatningly propheſied, that ſince they waved peace with their brethren, they ſhould have war from their enemies; and ſince they refus'd The ruin of the Authors thereof propheſied. to preach the word of Life to the Engliſh Nation, by their hands they ſhould ſuffer death. Which in all points came to paſſe (as he had foretold). For [Page] Edilfrid, that valiant King of the Engliſh, raiſing a mighty Army, made a great ſlaughter The propheſie made good from heaven. of this wicked people: For being about to give battel, perceiving their Prieſts met together, to pray for their Souldiers: he asked, who they were, and to what end they met there. Moſt of them were Multitude of Monks among the Britans, though converted 156. of the Monaſtery of Bangor (in Wales) where ſuch a number of Monks are ſaid to have been, that their Monaſtery divided into ſeven parts with their Prelats; no one of them had fewer than 300. Moſt of theſe having faſted three dayes, met at the Camp to pray. King Edilfrid underſtanding the After Schiſm, their Faith and Prayers availed not. cauſe of their convening, If (quoth he) they invoke their God against us, they fight againſt us, though they bear no [Page] Arms. Whereupon he commanded the charge to be made upon them, and in the end, though with loſſe, he quite ruined the other Troops of this wicked Army. They ſay there periſht in that battle about 1200 of thoſe that were aſſembled to pray; and ſo was accompliſht the Propheſie of Auguſtine, the holy Biſhop.

§

Note, That theſe Welch Biſhops, living in the Faith, receiv'd from Pope Eleutherius, An. 156. (as was ſaid B. 1. c. 4.) did not pretend any cauſe of diviſion from Augustines Doctrine, about Maſs, uſe of the Croſſe, and Images; worſhip of [Page] Saints and Relicks, or any other point wherein we and Proteſtants differ. A demonſtrative argument, that none of theſe things brought in by Auguſtine were contrary to what was delivered to the Britans, not a full hundred years after the Apoſtles time: So that as long as Augustines Religion was kept in England, the Apoſtles Religion was kept.

Chap. 3.

Auguſtine ordain'd two Biſhops, Mellitus & Juſtus; Mellitus An. 904 he ſent to preach to the Province of the East Saxons, [Page] whoſe chief City is London: As ſoon as the Province by Mellitus preaching had receiv'd the word of Truth, King Ethelbert The Antiquity of St. Pauls in London. built St. Pauls Church in London, where Mellitus and his ſucceſſors ever after were to hold their Biſhops Seat. Juſtus was ordain'd by him Biſhop of Rocheſter in Kent, where Ethelbert built St. Andrew the Apoſtles Church. After this, the dearly beloved Father in God, Alſo of St. Andrews at Rocheſter. Augustine dyed, and his body was laid by the Church of the Apoſtles, Peter and Paul in Canterbury, which (after it was finiſht) was brought in and honourably buried in the Northpart thereof, where alſo were interred the bodies of all the Archbiſhops following, as long as there was room. This Church hath an Altar in it, dedicated [Page] to the honour of St. Gregory Pope, at which Altar, Dedication of Altars to Saints every Saturday the Commemoration of theſe departed Biſhops is celebrated by the Prieſt of the place.

Upon St. Augustines Tomb Commemoration of the dead at the Altar. is written,

Here resteth Auguſtine the first Archbiſhop of Canterbury, who being ſent hither, by bleſſed Gregory, Biſhop; and by working of Miracles, ſupported by Our Apoſtles gift of miracles, witneſſed in his very Epitaph. God, brought King Ethelbert and his People from Idolatry to the Faith of Christ: He dyed the 26. of May.

CHAP. 4.

Laurence ſucceeded him in the Biſhoprick, whom Augustine, yet living, ordain'd, leaſt after his death the State of the [Page] Church rude as yet, and newly converted, might have wavered and faln, if it had lackt a Paſtour and guide never ſo little. Wherein he followed the example of the firſt Paſtour of the Church, the moſt bleſſed Prince of the Apoſtles, Peter; who having laid at Rome, the St. Peter firſt Paſtor of the Church and Prince of the Apoſtles. foundation of Chriſts Church, conſecrated Clement his Coadjutor and Succeſſor. Laurence ſeeing the ground-work of his Church to enlarge, which was well and throughly laid, endeavoured to raiſe the ſame to a perfect height, by frequent exhortations and continual example of pious works: He earneſtly laboured as a true Shepheard, not onely for the modern Church of the Engliſh, but alſo for the Church of the old Inhabitants [Page] of Britany and Scots in Ireland, whoſe profeſſion as ſoon as h [...] knew to be leſſe Eccleſiaſtical, and not well ordered in many points, eſpecially about Easter, they not celebrating it in due time: He wrote unto them, beſeeching them to receive and keep the ſociety of Catholike obſervance with the Church of Chriſt, ſpread over Conformity to be held with that Church which is ſpread over the whole world. the whole world.

To our dearest brethren the Biſhops and Abbots in Scotland Laurence, Mellitus, &c. When the See Apostolike (according to the uſuall manner of ſending to all parts of the world) directed Apoſtles ſent all the world over by the Pope. us hither to preach the word of God. We, &c. About this time Mellitus Biſhop of London went to Rome for advice of the Apoſtolike Pope Boniface, and for neceſſary cauſes of the Engliſh [Page] Church. This Pope call'd a Councel of Biſhops to appoint ſome order concerning the life of Monks. Mellitus ſate among Recourſe to the Pope in Eccleſiaſtical affairs. them, to the end, that what there was legally decreed, he confirming, might bring with him to the Engliſh Our Engliſh Authors ſay Mellitus his going was to obtain priviledges for Weſtminſter Abbey then built. Church, as precepts and rules to be obſerved. He brought alſo letters from the Pope to Laurence Archbiſhop, to the Clergy and the King. This Pope cleanſed the Temple Pantheon, converting it into a Decrees of Councels to be follow'd as ſure rules. A Church dedicated to our Lady, and all Martyrs, which yet is to be ſeen at Rome, and whether were brought (ſaith Spondan) the Reliques of many Martyrs, from places without the City. Church in honour of our Lady and the Martyrs.

Chap. 5.

In the year 613. Ethelbert, [Page] King of Kent, after he had raigned ſix and fifty years, entred into eternal bliſſe, the one and twentieth year, after he had receiv'd the Faith, and was interr'd in St. Martins Porch, within the Church of the bleſſed Apoſtles Peter and Perſecutors of this Faith puniſhed. Paul. Edbald his ſon much harm'd the tender ſprigs of the Church: but Gods ſcourge was not wanting, for both an unclean ſpirit, and a fr [...]nzie poſſeſt him: Moreover the death of Sabereth, King of the East Saxons and Nephew to Ethelbert much encreaſed the perſecution of the Church, who going hence, to the everlaſting kingdome left three ſons, who all fell to Idolatry. Theſe Princes ſeeing the Biſhop in the Church, after he Saying of Maſs had ſaid Maſs, giving to the [Page] people the Sacrament, ſaid unto him: Why doeſt thou not give us alſo of that white bread? To whom he anſwered. If you Communion under one kinde. will be waſht in that wholeſome Font wherein your Father was, you may alſo eat of this bleſſed bread, but if you contemn the laver of life, you may not tast [...] the bread of life. Hereupon the King commanded Mellitus and all his company to depart the Realm: ſo he and Juſtus went over into France.

Chap. 6.

Laurence the Archbiſhop being now ready to forſake Britany, and follow Mellitus and Juſtus, commanded the night before he was to go, that his bed ſhould be laid in the Saints Peter and Paul [...] Church, [Page] where after many prayers and tears powr'd out to God for the State of the Church, the bleſſed Prince of the Apoſtles S. Peter prince of the Apoſtles. He owns his Succeſſors (the Popes) deeds. appearing in his ſleep unto him, ſcourged him a good while; and with Apoſtolicall Authority, asked him, Why he meant to forſake the flock which he himſelf had committed unto him? and to what Shepheard running now away, he would leave the ſheep of Christ beſet with ravening Wolves? By theſe ſtripes and the words of St. Peter, Laurence, the ſervant of God, imboldned, came and preſented himſelf to the King, and throwing open his garment, ſhew'd him how pittifully he had been beaten. When the King (all amazed) demanded, who durſt inflict ſuch ſtripes upon a man of his [Page] dignity; when he underſtood it was for his ſalvation, and that by the Apoſtle of Chriſt, he became afraid, and abandoning The miraculous effect of St. Peters apparition. the worſhip of Idols, and his unlawfull wedlock, embraced the Faith of Chriſt, and was baptized, promoting the good of the Church to the utmoſt of his power. He call'd home Mellitus and Juſtus, commanding them to return to their Churches, and inſtruct their flock. Thus the King with all his Subjects from that day that he was converted, ſubmitted himſelf to the Precepts A Church in honour of our Lady. of God. He built a Church in honour of our Lady the bleſſed Mother of God, within the Abbey of St. Peter St. Peter Prince of the Apoſtles. Prince of the Apoſtles, which Mellitus hollowed.

Chap. 7.

[Page]

Relates, How the holy Archbiſhop Laurence departing hence to heaven, his body was buried in the Abbey-Church of St. Peter, the Apoſtle. Mellitus (of London) ſucceeded in the See of Canterbury, the third after Augustine, who by birth was noble, but nobler by his ſingular virtue. It chanced that the City of Canterbury was ſet on fire, and great part conſum'd, and the raging flames drew nigh to the houſe, where Mellitus lay ſick of the Gout; but putting his confidence in God, he commanded them to carry him out to meet Our Primats of England ſtill work miracles. the flames. Now where it moſt raged was at the crowned martyrs; The ſick man being [Page] brought thither, repreſt with his prayers thoſe flames, which A place (it ſeems) dedicated to the crowned Martyrs. no power of man could quench: Having govern'd the Church five years, he paſt to Heaven.

Chap. 8.

Juſtus ſucceeded Mellitus in Authority of [...] Biſhops from the Pope. the Biſhoprick; who having receiv'd authority from Pope Bonifacius to ordain Biſhops, conſecrated Romanus Biſhop.

The Popes Letter to Juſtus.

To our deareſt beloved brother, Juſtus: How piouſly and earnestly you have laboured for the Goſpel of Chriſt, the perfection No [...]e, Mr. Ba [...] ter, how unlike the Pope then ſeemed to An [...]ichriſt. and end of your actings fully declare, &c. We underſtand you have brought the King to the belief, and instructed him in the undoubted Faith. We have ſent [Page] you a Pall, which we give you leave to uſe onely in celebrating Our Primats inveſted with the Pall by the Pope. the holy myſteries granting you the ordaining of Biſhops, as occaſion ſhall require, that ſo the Goſpel of Chriſt may by the preaching of many be dilated, &c. Having regard to the Authority received from the See Apoſtolike, uſe this our reward towards the gaining of ſouls.

Chap. 9.

About this time, the King and People of Northumberland receiv'd the Faith, by the preaching of Paulinus. The occaſion was this. King Edwin deſirous to marry Edilburge the King of Kents Daughter, ſent his Embaſſadours to effect it: but they made anſwer, that it was not lawfull for a Chriſtian [Page] to be married to a Pagan, leaſt the Faith and Sacrament of the King of Heaven might become prophan'd. Hereupon the King entred covenant, to do nothing contrary to the Chriſtian Faith this Virgin profeſt; but gave way that ſhe and all the Prieſts and ſervants with her, ſhould keep and obſerve after the Chriſtian manner their Faith and Religion. Paulinus Biſhop came along with her, to confirm her and her attendants, whom, that they might not be polluted by converſing with Pagans, he daily ſtrengthned by exhortations, and adminiſtring the bleſſed Sacrament unto them, labouring earneſtly to keep them that came with him from falling, and endeavouring by preaching to reconcile [Page] others. In the ſame Chapter is mentioned how Paulinus obtain'd by his Prayers that the Queen was ſafely delivered, The N [...]thumbers miraculouſly converted. and that the King might obtain a victory againſt the West Saxons: Whereupon renouncing Idols, he granted that Biſhop Paulin ſhould Chriſten his Daughter, who born at Faster was Chriſtned at Whitſontide with twelve others of the Kings Court: yet for himſelf Baptizing Intants. the King took longer time to deliberate.

Chap. 10.

Relates, How Edwin receiv'd letters from Bonifacins Biſhop Note, Mr. Ba [...] ter how unlike the Pope then ſeem'd to Antichri [...]t. of the See Apoſtolike, exhorting him to the Faith: wherein are theſe words; We have thought good to extend our [Page] Priestly care and duty in propoſing unto you the rich magazin of our Chriſtian belief, &c. We exhort you in all affection, to abandon The Pope an enemy to Idol worſhip. Idols, and to deteſt the worſhip of them, &c. Knowing how great an offence they commit that worſhip them, &c. It behoves you to receive the ſigne of that Croſſe, by which mankinde St. Peter ſtiled Prince of the Apoſtles and our Protector. His bleſſing ſent from the Pope. was redeem'd. I ſend you the bleſſing of St. Peter, your Protector, Prince of the Apoſtles.

Chap. 11.

The holy and Apoſtolike Pope, Bonifacius, ſent letters from Rome to Queen Edilburge wife to King Edwin. The Pope ſtill ſollicitous to further our converſion▪

To Queen Edilburge his dear daughter, &c. My heart rejoyceth for the benefit of the Lord unto you, having vouchſaf'd to [Page] enkindle in you the right Religion, &c. We underſtand you ſhine forth in good works. Wherefore as it becometh a Father, we ſend unto you as our Daughter in Chriſt, exhorting you not to delay calling upon your Husband, till he alſo be conjoyned with you in the number of Christians: And our Fatherly love requires that you declare unto us, what the power of God ſhall work in his and his ſubjects converſion, that ſo we may render St. Peter ſtiled chiefeſt and Prince of the Apoſtles, and our Protector. due thanks to God, and to St. Peter, chiefeſt of the Apoſtles. We ſend you the bleſſing of St. Peter your Protector, and prince of the Apoſtles.

Chap. 12.

The ſumme of this Chapter briefly is, That by a viſion from [Page] Heaven King Edwin is forced to receive the Faith: for being put to flight by King Edilfrid, after a world of ſhifts, he findes entertainment with King Redwall, who notwithſtanding at the threats of Edelfrid reſolved to deliver him up to his enemies. Edwin, having ſecret intelligence thereof, and being greatly perplext in mind, in the depth of the night, ſaw an unknown man come to him, telling him, that he knew well the cauſe of his grief; and that he would eaſe him of it, and make him King and Conquerour of his Enemies, and that in power he ſhould ſurpaſſe all his Progenitours, The Faith then taught commended from Heaven. and all the Kings of the Engliſh. Laſtly, He told him, that he would give him more profitable Counſel for [Page] his ſouls health, than any of his Predeceſſours ever had, ſo that he would promiſe to hearken thereunto. All which he joyfully promiſed. Then this ſtranger laid his right hand upon Edwins head, ſaying: When theſe things ſhall happen remember this our diſcourſe, and perform your promiſe; ſo he vaniſht that Edwin perceived it was no man. In the morning he underſtood that King Redwall had changed his minde of betraying him into a purpoſe of giving him an Army to reſtore him, whereby he conquered King Edilfrid. In this battel King Redwals ſon was ſlain, and ſo beſides the recovery of his own Kingdome, he was made Heir apparent to King Redwall. For all this, he ſtill remain'd ſlack to embrace [Page] our Faith, though Paulin earneſtly preacht the word of God unto him. Yet he us'd to retire himſelf, to think what I would thoſe of our Country would imitate this Prince. Religion was beſt: Once as he was in this retirement, Paulin entring the Palace, and (as if he had known in ſpirit what viſion the King in his baniſhment had received) comming to him, he laid his right hand upon his Head, asking him, Whether he remembred that ſigne or no? The King trembling for Paul [...] knows what is in the Kings br [...]aſt. fear, would have faln down at Paulins feet; but he lifting him up, ſaid: You have eſcape the hands of your Enemies, you have obtaind the height of ſoveraignty, be now mindfull of the last thing you promiſed, and defer it no longer.

Chap. 13.

[Page]

The King hearing theſe words, anſwered, he was bound to receive the Faith, which Paulin Preacht: But yet he deſired to confer thereof with the Nobility and Peers of his Realm: whereunto Paulin aſſenting: the Aſſembly is call'd, the abandoning of Idolatry reſolv'd upon; Coify, Chief Prieſt of the falſe gods offers himſelf to be the firſt to demoliſh them: ſo clad in Armour, and mounted on the Kings horſe, he caſts a ſpear at the Idol, commanding the Idolatrous Altars to be fired; which was performed.

Chap. 14.

[Page]

King Edwin with all the Nobility and moſt of the Commons received the Faith, and were Baptiz'd on Eaſterday, An. 627, in Saint Peters Church at York, which he had ſet up of wood, whileſt he was Catechiz'd. Here the King aſſigned a Biſhops See for Paulin, at whoſe requeſt he built a large Cathedral, encloſing that of Wood, where he had been Baptiz'd. Paulin henceforth preacht the word of God continually, and they believ'd him, and were Chriſt'ned: And the fervour of Faith, and deſire of holy Baptiſm was ſo great, that he was ſtaid at Court 36. dayes, buſied in catechizing, and inſtructing the [Page] people in the Faith of Chriſt. In the Countrey of the Deiri, he baptiz'd in the floud Swale, for as yet, there could not be built Oratories, Fonts, or Baptiſteries: Yet was there built a great Church in the planes called Downs, which the Pagans that ſlew King Edwin Altars of ſtone. burnt; but the Altar eſcaped the fire, being of ſtone, and is kept in the Monaſtery of the reverend Abbot Trumvulſe. Monaſteries, Abbots.

Chap. 15.

King Edwins zeal and devotion was ſo great towards the Chriſtian Faith, that he perſwaded Carpwell, King of the Eaſt Engliſh, to leave the vain ſuperſtition of Idols, and with his whole Realm to embrace the true Faith, and receive the [Page] Sacrament of Chriſts Church. King Redwalls Carpwels Father was Chriſtned before in Kent, but he was quickly ſeduced again by his Wife. He ſeem'd to ſerve both Chriſt and his falſe Gods; for in one Temple, he erected an Altar for the Sacrifice of Chriſt, and another for his Idols. Felix Biſhop, and a holy Preacher, being ſent by Altars, ſacrifice Honorius Archbiſhop, to preach the Word of God to the Eaſt-Engliſh, found plenty of fruit, and encreaſe of Believers; for he brought the whole Province unto the Faith.

Chap. 16.

Relates, How Paulin the Biſhop preaching the word of God in the Province of Lindeſi, bulit a Church in the chief [Page] City, where every year ſome miraculous Cures were Miracles wrought at certain places▪ wrought.

Chap. 17.

Relates, How Honorius (Bonifacius his Succeſſor) was Biſhop of Rome, and ſate in the See Apoſtolick: who underſtanding that A Pall ſent by the Pope, who ſtill inveſteth our Archbiſhops. the King of Northumberland and all his Subjects were converted to the Faith by Paulinus his preaching, ſent him a Pall and Letters alſo to King Edwin, exhorting him to go forward in the true Faith.

To the most Puiſſant and his moſt vertuous Son in our Lord, The Pope a true Father even to Kings. Edwin King: Honorius ſervant of the ſervants of God. What are we better able to offer to God than by perſiſting in good [Page] works, to worſhip and render him deſerved praiſes. We exhort you (dearly beloved Son) with Fatherly affection, &c. (A little after he writeth) Read St. Gregorie's your Apostles works, and ſet his doctrine ever before your Efficacy of Saints Prayers. eyes, that his prayers may advance your kingdome and people, and repreſent you irreprehenſible unto the Almighty. We have provided thoſe things, which you wiſht might be ordained for your Priests. We have two Palls for the Primats, Honorius and Paulinus, commanding The Pope exerciſeth his Supremacy in England. that when one of them is called out of this life, the ſurviver ſubſtitute by this our Authority another in his place▪

Chap. 18.

[Page]

About this time died Juſtus, Archbiſhop, and Honorius ſucceeding was conſecrated Archbiſhop of Canterbury by Pauline: He was the Fifth after St. Augustine, to whom Pope Honorius ſent a Pall, ordaining that when either the Biſhop of Canterbury or Yorke died, the ſurviver ſhould have power to Conſecrate another in the place of the deceaſed, that ſo they ſhould not need to travell and toile by Sea and Land to Rome, as often as an Archbiſhop was to be ordained.

The Copy of the Popes letter to Honorius.

Labour in preaching the Goſpel, and follow the rule and ſteps [Page] of your Head and Maſter, bleſſed Gregory, &c. As for the priviledges of your Churches, we have not delay'd to grant you ſuch The Pope doth this in the place of St. Peter Prince of the Apoſtles. things as We thought fit. And now We in the place of St. Peter, Prince of the Apoſtles, grant unto you Authority, &c. Here followeth the grant ſpecified in the beginning of this Chapter, Dated, An. 633.

Chap. 19.

Pope Honorius ſent letters to the Scots (whom he underſtood to erre in the obſervation Decrees of the Church to be followed. of Eaſter) exhorting them that they would not eſteem their ſmall number wiſer than the Churches of Chriſt, either antient or newly converted, in celebrating any other Easter than after the common account, [Page] and according to the Uniform Decrees of all the Biſhops of the world aſſembled in Councel.

Chap. 20.

Relates, How King Edwin was ſlain, his Army defeated, his Kingdomes over-run by Penda the Idolater, and Carduëlla; ſo that there was no ſafety but in flight. Then Biſhop Paulin return'd to Kent, bringing with him a fair golden Golden croſſes and Chalices conſecrated to the uſe of the Altar, yet to be ſeen. Croſs and Chalice conſecrated to the uſe of the Altar, which are to be ſeen in the Cathedral of Canterbury. There he govern'd the See of Rochester, and left his Pall, which he had receiv'd from the Pope of Rome. James the Deacon left by Paulin at York; ſet up a School for [Page] Church Muſick, according to Our Church muſick from Rome. the faſhion of Rome, and Dioceſs of Canterbury.

The Third Book.

Chap. 1.

RElates, how the Kings Oſrich and Eandfrid, fell to Yet Idolatry highly hated. Idolatry, whereupon they deſerved not to be accounted to our Kings, but their years are numbred to holy King Oſwald next following.

Chap. 2.

The place is ſhew'd untill An. 642. Veneration of holy places and croſſes. this day, and had in great veneration, where Oſwald who [Page] ſlew Carduëlla, before the battell, ſet up the ſigne of the holy Croſs, beſeeching God humbly on his knees to ſuccour Miracles hence enſuing. them in their diſtreſs: Having with his own hands ſet up the Croſſe, he ſaid to the Army: Let us all kne [...]l down and pray the Almighty to help us. In the place where he made his prayer, many miraculous Cures are known to be done, in token of The very chips of that Croſſe, work miracles untill this day. his Faith. Untill this day, many doe uſually cut chips from the wood of that holy Croſs, which caſting into water, and giving the ſick thereof, both men and beaſts to drink, or ſprinkling them therewith, they are reſtored to health. The place is called Heavenfield, ſignifying, that in that place, a heavenly memorial ſhould be ſet up, and heavenly miracles [Page] be wrought even till our daies. The Religious of Hagulſden Church for a long time have us'd to come every year, upon Prayers and ſacrifice for the Dead. the Eve and Day that King Oſwald was ſlain, to keep Dirges for his ſoul; and in the morning after Pſalms, ſolemnly to offer for him the Sacrifice of the holy Oblation: By continuance of this cuſtome, the place is become more holy, and is now honored by all, for the Church dedicated in the ſame place. We ſhal relate one of many miracles, wrought at this Croſſe. One of the Religious of Hagulſden, by name Bothelmus (who liveth yet) when by chance, going on the Ice, by a fall broke his Arm, in ſo much that he could not lift it to his mouth, prayed one of the brethren to [Page] bring him a piece of that bleſſed wood, ſaying, that by Gods grace he might finde help thereby. He did ſo, giving the party ſome of the Moſs wherewith The Moſs of the Croſs works miracles upon one as yet living. the wood was covered, which putting into his boſome in the night, he found himſelf (ſoon after) whole and ſound.

Chap. 3.

Relates, how Aidan the Biſhop being ſent from the Scots to King Oſwald, the King himſelf became interpreter to his Nobles, whileſt the Biſhop preacht to them. Poſſeſſions were given by the King towards the founding of Religious Houſes. The little Children and Ancienter ſort, were by the Scots train'd up in obſervance of Regular Diſcipline, [Page] for they were for the moſt part Monks as Aidan was, whoſe Houſe was for no ſmal time, the head of all the Monaſteries Monks, Monaſteries. of the Northern parts, and of the Abbeyes of the Redſhanks, which was beſtow'd upon the Monks in conſideration of their Sermons and preaching.

Chap. 4.

In the year 565. A Prieſt and Abbot, venerable both in Habit and Religious life call'd Religious different in habit. Columban came from Ireland into Britany to preach the word of God, in the North. The Southern Redſhanks had long before receiv'd the Faith, the word of God being preacht Purity of d [...] ctrine from Rome. unto them by the reverend and bleſſed Biſhop Ninia, who was at Rome, perfectly taught Martin, [Page] the Faith; whoſe See the Engliſh hold to this day famous for the name and Church of St. Martin, where his and many Churches dedicated to Saints. other Saints bodies are. An Iſland was given Columban by the King towards erecting of a Monaſtery. Moreover he had a renowned Monaſtery in Ireland, out of both which, very Monaſteries. many Monaſteries were after founded by means of his Schollers. Theſe in obſerving the high Feaſt of Easter, truſted to uncertain computes, and no marvel, ſince none ſent them the Decrees made in general Councels, for the keeping thereof: yet they diligently obſerved all ſuch works of devotion, and chaſte demeanour, as they could learn in the Prophets, Strict followers of onely ſcripture erre, for many years together. Goſpels, and the Apoſtles writings. This erronious obſervance of Eaſter, laſted 150 [Page] years. At laſt the reverend Father and Prieſt Ecbert reform'd them, cauſing them to keep the ſame in due time.

Chap. 5.

From this Convent of Monks founded by St. Columban, Aidan was ſent, and conſecrated Biſhop, to inſtruct England in the Faith. His life Shaving of Monks. ſo far ſurmounted the lukewarmneſſe of our times; that all his companions, as well ſhaven Monks, as Laicks, gave themſelves to continual Meditation. Every devout perſon (except between Eaſter and Strict Faſt on Wedneſday and Friday among the Laity. Whitſontide) took up a cuſtom to continue Faſting every Wedneſday and Fryday, until three of the clock in the afternoone. See many excellent [Page] things of Aidan in Bede.

Chap. 6.

Relates, Oſwalds rare Piety, for which God gave him all the Dominions of four ſeveral languages, the Britans, Picts, Scots and Engliſh. It is alſo related, how King Oſwald beſtowed a Silver diſh with dainties on the poor, who begg'd at dinner time. The Biſhop delighted with ſuch a work of mercy, took him by the right hand, ſaying; I pray God this hand may never be conſum'd. Which came to paſs, for being ſlain, and his hands cut off, that hand to this day remains Miraculous reward of Alms: uncorrupt, and is reſerved in a ſilver Shrine in St. Peters Veneration of Relicks miraculouſly uncorrupt to this day. Church, where with due honour it is worſhipt by all.

Chap. 7.

[Page]

Relates, How the Weſt-Saxons with their King, receiv'd The Apoſtle of the Weſt-Saxons, ſent from the Pope. the Faith, by Biſhop Birinus his preaching, who came into Britany by Pope Honorius his appointment, promiſing to ſow the ſeeds of the holy Faith in the remoteſt parts of England. By the ſame Popes command, the Biſhop of Genua conſecrated him.

Chap. 8.

In the year 640. Erconbert was King of Kent, and the firſt of the Kings of England, who by Princely Authority commanded the Idols throughout Tranſgreſſors of the Faſt of forty dayes puniſhed. his Realm ſhould be deſtroyed, and that the Faſt of forty [Page] dayes ſhould be kept, appointing due puniſhment for the tranſgreſſours thereof. Eartongarth, this Kings daughter was a Virgin of rare virtue, ſerving God in a Monaſtery in France all the dayes of her life. For in thoſe days, when many Monaſteries were not yet built in England, divers for the love to Religious life were wont to go to the Religious Houſes of France, ſending alſo their daughters thither to be Vowed Nuns eſpouſed to the heavenly bridegroom. brought up, and eſpouſed to the heavenly Bridegrome. The Inhabitants thereabout, even at this day, relate many vertuous deeds and miraculous ſignes wrought by this Such Nuns graced with the gift of Miracl [...]. Virgin dedicated to God. The time of her departure being at hand, ſhe began to viſite the Cel [...] of the ſick in the Monaſtery, [Page] unto whoſe Prayers commending herſelf, ſhe ſignified her approaching houre, as ſhe had underſtood it by revelation. The Habitation of men ſeparated from Women. Many brethren of the Monaſtery in the other houſe, reported, how at the ſame time they heard the melody of Angels ſinging, and a noiſe as it were of a great multitude coming into the Monaſtery: and going forth, they beheld an exceeding bright light ſent down from Heaven. Which conducted her ſoule to the joyes of Heaven They report other miracles ſhew'd by the Hand of God in the ſame Monaſtery. The honourable body of Chriſts Virgin and Spouſe was buried in the Church of St. Stephen. Three dayes after, they remov'd it, rearing the grave-ſtone higher: [Page] at the doing whereof, ſo ſweet a ſmell came from the Vow'd [...] dear [...] Earth, that to all the Brethren and Siſters, there ſeem'd to be opened Cellars of natural balm. [...]delburge alſo Aunt to [...] by [...]. Eartongath, preſerv'd the glory of perpetual Virginity (which is ſo dear to God) in great chaſtity of body. How great her virtue was, appear'd more fully after death: for ſeven years after, her body was found as uncorrupt, as it had been free from ſtain of carnal concupiſcence, and was tranſlated into the Church of St. Stephen.

Chap. 9.

Relates, How Oſwald the moſt Chriſtian King was ſlain, Ou [...] Hiſtoryes ſay he was ſlain at Oſwiſtry in Sh [...]opſhire. at a place called Maſerfield. How great the Faith of this King was, and how ſervent his [Page] devotion appear'd after his death, by ſundry Miracles: for to this day Cures both of men and beaſts are daily wrought Th [...] very [...]ligh teſt [...] wo [...]k [...] in the place where he was ſlain. Many carried away the duſt where his body fell, and caſting it into water, cured thereby many infirmities. This was ſo often done, that (by taking away the Earth) ſo deep a pit is now made, that a man may ſtand upright in it. And no marvel that ſick perſons are recovered in the place where he died, who all his life time beſtow'd his time in giving Alms, and comforting the Needy. Very many miracles are reported to be done by the duſt of that place. The Horſe of a paſſenger, hard by this place falling down, became ſo ill that he gave him for loſt. [Page] The horſe tumbling himſelf about, at laſt, lighted on the the place where Oſwald fell, and ſuddenly ſtarting up was whole. The Paſſenger quickly underſtood what it meant, and marking the place, came to his Inn, where he found a young maid who had been a long time moleſted with the Palſie. He told them what had hapned, whereupon they carried her in a Cart to the place, where being laid down, ſhe ſlept awhile, and ſoon after Strange Miracles by R [...]liks. waking, ſhe found her ſelf cured, and return'd on foot home with thoſe that had brought her thither.

Chap. 10.

Relates, How a little linnen bag full of the earth where [Page] King Oſwald fell dead, being caſually hung upon a poſt in a Miracles by Reliks. houſe, that was quite burnt down: this onely poſt remain'd untoucht by the fire, upon which occaſion, many reſorting to that place where King Oſwald ſhed his bloud, were there cured.

Chap. 11.

Among other miracles I cannot omit to relate, what Tranſlation of Reliks. hapned when King Oſwalds bones were tranſlated to the Church where they now are. When towards Evening the Charriot was come, wherein the bones were, they of the Monaſtery of Beandaman were unwilling to receive them: for although they had known him for a bleſſed man, yet by [Page] reaſon he was a Forreigner born, and had ſubdued them by Conqueſt, they hated his memory. So it fell out that the Reliques remain'd abroad all night: yet was there a great Pavilion extended over the Chariot, where the Reliques were. But a Miracle from heaven declared with how [...] to be held in [...] v [...]neration by all faithfu [...]l. great reverence thoſe Bones were to be receiv'd of all faithfull people: for all night long a pillar of light ſtood reaching from the Chariot (wherein they were) unto Heaven, clearly beheld almoſt in all places of the Province: which made the Brethren of the Monaſtery now earneſtly deſire, that thoſe holy Reliques might be laid up in their Houſe. They were therefore enclos'd in a ſhrine, and placed with honour [Page] in the Church. The water wherewith his bones were waſht being poured out in a corner of the Veſtry, from that This confirm'd from Heaven, as is teſti [...]ied by wittneſſes yet living. day forward, the earth which receiv'd it, had a ſpeciall virtue in driving Devils out of poſſeſt bodies. An Abbeſſe (who is yet alive) deſir'd ſome of the Earth to be given her, upon which this water was poured out, and with it returned Abbeſſes. home. It hapned that a ſtranger came to her Monaſtery, who was wont to be vext with an unclean Spirit, and at night began to foame, gnaſh his teeth, and rage, no body being able to hold him. The Abbeſs repaires to that quarter The [...]odgings of men apart from the Nunnery. where the Men lodg'd, and calling the Prieſt, went with him to the Patient: Where the Prieſt began to ſay the exorciſme; [Page] That not ſufficing, the Abbeſs commanded her Maid to go bring her the little cabbinet, wherein that Earth Exorciſms. (we ſpoke of) was reſerv'd. As ſoon as the Maid was come with it (from the Nunns quarter) into the Court of that Houſe where the poſſeſſ'd Perſon was, he grew ſilent and began to reſt, and as it were, ſleep; and ſoon after riſing up, he ſaid; I feel my ſelf whole. They aſked him how this came to paſs: And he anſwered: As ſoon as this Virgin with the Cabinet which ſhe brought, approch't the Court of the Houſe, all the wicked Spirits that moleſted me departed. Then the Abbeſs gave him of that duſt, and the Prieſt ſaying ſome Prayers, he Relik [...]chaſe away the Devill paſt over the night moſt quietly, and was perfectly freed.

Chap. 12.

[Page]

In the ſame Monaſtry, a little Boy had been long ſick of Miracles at Saints Tombs. an ague, and was expecting his fit, when one of the Brethern comming in ſaid: My Son Ile tell thee how thou mayeſt be cured: riſe and go ſit thee down at the Tombe of Oſwald and be ſure thou ſtirreſt not thence till the howre be over, in which thy fit uſeth to leave thee: then I will come and bring thee forth. The Boy did ſo, and his Ague durſt The perſon yet alive (ſaith Bede) on whom the Miracle was d [...]e. not preſume to ſeize upon him at the Tombe of the Saint. That this hapned thus, a Brother, who came from thence, told me, adding how at that very hower the youth was living in that Monaſtery, who was thus cured by Miracle. [Page] It is not to be wondred that the Prayers of that King now in Heaven, may obtain Power of Saints Prayers. much of God, who having a Temporall Kingdome accuſtomed himſelf to continuall Prayer, & even died praying; for as he was ſlain, he prayed to God for the Soules of his Souldiers; whereupon aroſe that old Proverbe: God have That ſpeech, God have mercy on their ſoules, of what Antiquity. mercy on their ſouls, quoth Oſwald, when he dyed himſelf.

Chap. 13.

The Reverend Biſhop Acca, uſed to tell how he heard Willebrord that holy Biſhop of Frizeland report what, had been done abroad by the wonderous Reliques of this Vertuous King. A certain Scholler careleſs in his life, being at the [Page] point of death, with great remorſe of his ſins, made a purpoſe if he recovered to amend, ſaying; If God of his mercy grant me to eſcape death, I reſolve to mend my life, yet I know I have deſerv'd no truce, except by the help of ſuch as have faithfully ſerved God, he of his mercy will pardon mee. We have heard there hath been a King of wonderfull holineſs called Oſwald, Our unworthineſs ſupplied by interceſſion of Saints. the Excellency of whoſe Faith and Vertue, even after his death was well known by working frequent Miracles. I beſeech you (ſpeaking to the standers by) if you have any of his Reliques, bring me them: It may be God will have mercy on me through his Merits; to whom I made anſwer, (ſaith Willebrord) I have of the tree, whereupon his head was ſtuck after he [Page] was ſlain, and if thou wilt beleeve aſſuredly; God by the Merits Cures wrought by Relikes of ſo worthy a Perſon may grant thee longer life: Who anſwering he did believe; I blest (ſaith Willebrord) ſome water, Water hallowed. caſting into it a ſhiver of the ſaid Oake, giving it the ſick man to drink, and forthwith he recovered, and reform'd his life, and living long after, declar'd to all men the favour of our Maker, and the glory of his ſervant.

Chap. 14.

Relates how Oſwin was ſlain by Oſway, where afterward in An. 644. Good works Satisfactory. Daily prayers for the dead. ſatisfaction for the ſin, there was a Monaſtery built, wherein daily Prayers were offered up to God for Redemption of both the Kings ſouls, the Murderer and murdered. It Relates alſo the admirable Vertue of [Page] King Oſwin how Aidan the Biſhop foretold his death and twelve days after died himſelf.

Chap. 15.

Relates, How God by many Miracles declared to the world how worthy a Man Aidan the Biſhop was, and how Ʋtta a Prieſt being ſent into Kent to fetch Eanſled, King Edwins Daughter, the Biſhop at his ſetting forth bleſſing him, gave him hallowed oile, ſaying, I know that at your taking ſhip you will have a Tempeſt: Hallowed Oile doth Miracles But remember to cast into the ſea this oile that I give you. All which hapning as Aidan had foretold: the Prieſt takeing the oile, caſt of it into the ſea and immediately there enſued a Calme. This I had [Page] (ſaith Bede) from the faithfull relation of Cinimond Prieſt How authenticall this is. of our Church, who ſaid, he had it from Ʋtta himſelf to whom this hapned.

Chap. 16.

Relates, How by the Prayers of Aidan Biſhop, the fire, A Miracle. which the Enemy had defigned to burne a Towne beſieg'd, returned upon themſelves, making them quit the ſiege.

Chap. 17.

Relates, How the Vertuous Biſhop Aidan departed this life the 17th, year of his Biſhoprick. Not long after a Church being dedicated to the honour of the moſt bleſſed Prince [Page] of the Apoſtles, his bones were tranſlated thither, and placced on the right ſide of the Altar, with much honor as he deſerved. When King Penda ſet Tranſlation of Reliks, Altars, Churches dedicated in the honour of the Prince of the Apoſtles, Thus then they called St. Peter. fire on the Church, that Poſt onely, whereunto this holy Biſhop leaned at his death, could by no force of fire be conſum'd. The Miracle being known and ſpread abroad, the Church was again built: but the like hapned the ſecond time: Whereupon at the reedifying of the Church Miracles: the third time in memory of the Miracle, the Poſt was laid as a thraſhold for people to kneel on, and make their prayers to God. And tis well known that, divers in that place have been cured of diſeaſes, and by the water where in Chipps cut from the Poſt [Page] have been dipt, many have had their health reſtored By Relikes. them.

Chap. 18.

Relates, How King Sigibert was ſo enflam'd with the love of God, that leaving his Realm he entred into a Monaſtery, where being ſhaven he addicted Our Kings became Monks. himſelf to a heavenly warfare.

Chap. 19.

Relates, How Furſeus encouraged by a Viſion, built the Monaſtery, the King had Monks graced with Viſions. given him, planting therein Regular diſcipline. Alſo how from his childehood he gave himſelf to the reading of holy Scripture, and Monaſticall [Page] obſervance, building another Monaſtery, wherein he might wholy attend to watching and praying, where being ſick he was rapt in ſpirit, and ſaw the bleſſed company of Heaven and great conflicts he had with the wicked ſpirits, who prevaild not, the holy Angels guarding and defending him. Moreover in a number of ſtrāg viſions he ſaw the evill ſpirits tormenting men in fire, and they did fling one of them at him, whom the Angel flung back, which nevertheleſſe did ſo burne Furſeus, that when he was reſtored again to his body How authentical this is. the tokens of the ſcorching remain'd viſible to all in his ſhoulder and cheek all the dayes of his life after. His Altars body being removed to the High Altar, was found uncorrupt. [Page] And the year following the ſame hapned, being to be Miracles at Saints Tombs. tranſlated to the eaſt ſide of the Altar. In which place it is well known that his Merits have been much renown'd by many Miracles wrought by the Power of God.

Chap. 20.

Tells the death of Honorius, Archbiſhop of Canterbury and how Deus-dedit ſucceeded.

Chap. 21.

Relates, How the Middle-Engliſh with Penda their King (Son to Penda the [...]erfecutor) and his Nobles were converted by Finan firſt a Monke and after Biſhop of Lindesferne.

Chap. 22.

[Page]

Relates, How the Eaſt-Saxons, after their apoſtacie were converted. Sigibert their King having one in his Court that lived in unlawfull wedlock, A propheſie of the ruine of ſuch as converſe with thoſe who are excommunicated. and being excommunicated and all that kept him company by the Biſhop, the King neglecting this ſentence, for the evill example, and becauſe he would not refrain from going to the houſe of that wicked man, was told by him, that in that houſe he ſhould die. And the event proved true, for he was there ſlain by Penda King of the Mercians. Yet it is to be preſumed that the cauſe of his death (which was for obſerving Chriſts command) did not onely wipe away [Page] this fault but encreaſe his his merit. Swidhelm ſucceeded Sigibert, who was baptiſed by Cedde. Edilwald King of the East-Engliſh, being his Godfather. Ant [...]quity of Godfathers.

Chap. 23.

Edilwald, Son to King Oſwald, perceiving Cedde to be a wiſe and vertuous man, granted him a plat of ground, for the building a Monaſtery, where he and his people might pray and hear the word of God: For he believed he ſhould be much furthered by the prayers of thoſe that ſerved God there. Cedde's brother Kings confide in the Prayers of religious men. preached and miniſtred the Sacraments to him and all his Court. The holy Biſhop choſe out a place for a Monaſtery [Page] and deſiring by prayer and faſting to cleanſe it, remaind there all the forty daies of Lent faſting and praying. All theſe dayes (excepting Sundayes) Lents forty days faſt. he faſted untill Evening: for he ſaid the cuſtome of them, from whom he learnt Monaſticall life, was that in erecting of any new Monaſtery the place ſhould be firſt conſecrated The laudable cuſtome of faſting. to God by faſting and prayer. He ordain'd in the Monaſtery of Lesting, the ſame Rules and conſtitutions of Religion, which the Monks of the Holy Iſland had. As he Monks, Monaſteries, Religious rules, viſited the Monaſtery in the time of the Plague he dyed Churches in honou [...] of our Lady. thereof. A Church being after built in honour of our Lady, his body was taken up and Altars. placed on the right ſide of the [Page] Altar. A while after thirty Bretheren of the Monaſtry of the East Saxons came to the place where he died, deſiring either to live by the body of their Father, or (if it ſo pleaſ'd God to die there) Who being received, by the Brethren in time of the Plague, were all taken Interceſſion of Saints. out of this life, except one youth who (as tis wel known) was ſav'd by the prayers [...] this holy Father. For afterwards we underſtood that he had not bin chriſtned, whence it was beleeved that he was without doubt preſerved by the interceſſion of the Father, whoſe Corps he ſo piouſly viſited.

Chap. 24.

[Page]

Relates, How vertuous King Oſwin of Northumberland, called Vows made to God. for the help of God againſt Penda, who threatned to deſtroy little and great in his Kingdome. He tried to appeaſe him by gifts, that not ſucceeding, he ſaid, Since this Infidel regardeth not my Preſents, let us offer preſents to our Lord, who will receive them; ſo he vowed that if he vanquiſht Nuns, Monaſteries, perpetual Virginity. him, his daughter ſhould be conſecrated to God in perpetuall Virginity, and that twelve Farms with Lands ſhould be converted. to the founding of Monaſteries. Thus God approveth this coutſe of life. with a very ſmal Army, he offered him battle, though the Enemy was reported to have [Page] thirty times as many men. The victory being by Gods help miraculouſly obtained, Oſwin inſtantly performed his Vow, giving his daughter Elfled, not yet a year old, to be brought up, and conſecrated to perpetual virginity, as alſo the twelve Poſſeſſions towards the founding of Monaſteries; where, inſtead of worldly Tillage, Prayers of religious men in what eſteem. Religious Monks by continuall devotion might labour to purchaſe eternal reſt for him and his Countrey. She entred firſt the Monaſtery of Horstherland (now Hartſey) to be brought up under Hilda Abbeſſe in Religion, and perpetual Virginity. But afterwards ſhe built a Monaſtery, call'd Stranſhalt, in which ſhe was firſt a Scholler, but after a Teacher of Monaſticall life, [Page] untill at the age of threeſcore, ſhe paſt to the bleſſed marriage of her Heavenly Spouſe, being buried in the Church of Dayly prayer for the dead. St. Peter, the Apoſtle. Eanfled required of Oſway (who kill'd Oſwin) in part of ſatisfaction to erect a Monaſtery, call'd Ingelith, whereof Trumher was Abbot, to the intent, that there might be daily prayer made for the ſalvation both of him that was ſlain, and him that ſlew him.

Chap. 25.

About this time aroſe a great Controverſie touching the obſervation of Easter. By this variance it hapned often, that in one year two Eaſters were kept, the King ending his Faſt, and ſolemnizing the Feaſt The Faſt of Lent. [Page] of Easter, the Queen with her company, continuing in faſting kept Palm-ſunday, yet this diverſity as long as Aidan liv'd was by al tolerated, for though in obſerving Eaſter, he followed the cuſtom of thoſe, with whom he was brought up, yet he believed as all others did, and kept unity with all. Alfred the Kings ſon, being inſtructed by the learned Wilfrid, preferr'd his judgment before Biſhop Wilfrid inſtructed at Rome. all the traditions of the Scots. This Wilfrid for better inſtruction, had travell'd to Rome, and lived long with Delphinus Archbiſhop of Lions, under whom he ſhaved his crown, according to the cuſtome of the Clergy. Alfred gave him a Clergy men wear ſhaven Crowns. Monaſtery in a place which is called Humpud, one for learning & virtue worthy thereof. [Page] A Synod is call'd in the Monaſtery of Strenſalt, for the deciding of this queſtion. Wilfrid, commanded by the King and Biſhop, ſpake thus in anſwer to the Scots, and to Colman their chief Biſhop. The Eaſter This Synod was at Whitby in Yorkeſhire. by us obſerved, we have ſeen ſo obſerved at Rome, where the bleſſed Apoſtles Peter and Paul St. Peter and Paul lived, preacht, and ſuffered at Rome. liv'd, preacht, ſuffered and are buried. This manner we have ſeen in all Italy and France. This we know to be obſerved, in Afrike, Aſia, Aegypt and The ſtrong plea of Tradition. Greece, and throughout all Nations, and tongues of the world, where the Church of Chriſt taketh place, except theſe few, and others of like obſtinacy, the Picts & Britans, with whom theſe men do fondly contend againſt the whole world. God forbid, ſaid Wilfrid [Page] that we ſhould charge St. John, For he, in his obſervation kept the decrees of Moſes law literally, according as the whole Church followed yet in many things after the Jewiſh manner. For the Apoſtles were not able upon the ſudden to blot out all cuſtomes, and rites of the law, inſtituted by God himſelf. This they were forced to bear for a time, leaſt the Jews that lived among the Gentiles might be offended: Upon this conſideration, St. Paul did circumciſe Timothy. Now the light of the Goſpel ſhining through the world, it is not lawfull for any Chriſtian to be circumciſed. Peter preaching his Goſpel at Rome, remembring that our Lord roſe the firſt day after the Sabath, underſtood the [Page] obſervation of Eaſter in ſuch ſort, that he lookt for the riſing of the Moon at Evening in the 14th. day of her Age, in the firſt moneth; at the riſing whereof at Evening, if the morrow after were Sunday, he began in that very Evening to obſerve the Feaſt of Easter, as all we do to this day: but if Sunday were not the next morrow after the 14day of the Change of the Moon, but the 16, 17, or any other untill the 21. he tarried for the Sunday, and that Saturday before he began the holy ſolemnity of Eaſter. And it was by the Nicene Councel not newly decreed, but confirmed, that this is the true obſervation of Eaſter, and ſo of all Chriſtians to be celebrated. As for your Father and his followers; I doe not [Page] think it was much prejudiciall againſt them, as long as they had yet receiv'd no inſtruction to the contrary; but I rather Errour then damnable when the Authority of the Church is rejected. ſuppoſe (ſeeing they willingly followed ſuch commands as they knew) they would alſo have conform'd themſelves to the Catholike judgment, if they had been ſo informed. But you & your companions, if hearing the decrees of the See Apoſtolike, or rather of the Univerſall Church, and that alſo confirmed in holy Writ, follow not the ſame, you offend and ſin undoubtedly. For though your Fathers were holy men, could theſe few prejudice the whole Church of Chriſt ſpread through the World; and if your Father Columban were holy and mighty in miracles, yet may he not [Page] be preferr'd before the moſt bleſſed Prince of the Apoſtles, to whom our Lord ſaid, Thou art Peter, and upon this Rock By the Prince of the Apoſtles Peter ſtill underſtood Mat. 16. 18. I will build my Church, and Hell gates ſhall not prevaile against her; And to thee I will give the Keys of the kingdome of Heaven. The King hearing this, ſaid, Agree ye both in this, that theſe words were principally ſpoken unto Peter, and that unto him the Keys of the Kingdome of Heaven were given? When both anſwered yes, the King concluded, ſaying; I tell you I will not gainſay, ſuch a Porter as this is, but as far as I know, and am able I will endeavour in all points to obey his Ordinances, leaſt perhaps when I come to the doores of Heaven; I finde none to open them to me, having his diſpleaſure, who is ſo clearly The Roman Tradition preferr'd. [Page] proved to bear the Keys thereof. Thus they all embraced the more perfect obſervance.

Chap. 26.

Colman the Scottiſh Biſhop, ſeeing his Doctrine diſproved, The Clergy weare ſhaven Crowns. departed for Scotland, taking with him, ſuch as refuſed to accept of the Catholike obſervation of Eaſter, and of the carrying of a round ſhaven Crown. Cedda embraced the Catholike Tradition, and Tuda was made Biſhop of the Northern men, wearing after the manner of that Countrey a ſhaven Crown, and obſerving Eaſter after the Catholike manner. In holy Iſland Eata a reverend Father, once Abbot of Mailroſe, was made Abbot over the Monks. Colman departing Abbo [...], Monaſteri [...] [Page] took with him ſome of the bones of Biſhop Aidan, part alſo he left in the Church, where he was Biſhop, laying them up in the Veſtry.

The ſame Chapter, further Relates of the Monks of this Monaſtery, how greatly they abſtain'd from all pleaſure; if they took any money of rich men, they preſently gave it to the poore, and the eminent and wealthy never came but to pray and hear the Word of God: and thoſe that came contented themſelves with the religious mens ſimple fare, looking for nothing above the ordinary. The Rulers of the Church ſought not to pamper The diſtinct Habit of R [...]ligious and Clergie men. the body, but to ſave the ſoul; whence it came to paſſe, that even the Habit of Religious men was had in great Veneration: [Page] ſo that when any of the Clergy or Religious came forth, he was joyfully received of all, as the Servant of God. And if any were going a journey, the people ran to them, and with great reverence, deſired to have their bleſſing either by hand or mouth. And when they made any Exhortation, as they paſt by, every man gladly hearkened unto them. Upon Sundaies I'heir bleſſings craved, given by hand, that is by the ſign of the Croſſe. ordinarily the people went to Church or Cloiſters, not to eat and drink, but to hear the Word of God, and if any Prieſt came abroad into the Villages, the Inhabitants would flock about him, deſiring of him ſome leſſon or inſtruction. The Clergy in thoſe dayes ſeldome went abroad, but to Preach, to Chriſten, to viſite the ſick, or [Page] for the cure of Souls: Neither would they in thoſe daies take territories or poſſeſſiosn towards building of Monaſteries, but through earneſt ſute, and almoſt forc't thereto.

§

Note here, upon the departure of Colman, that the Scots converted by Palladius, An. 422. as was ſaid, B. 1. C. 13. did not diſagree in Faith from thoſe ſent by St. Gregory, and later Popes into England in any one of thoſe points, in which the Protestants now differ from the Roman Faith. They diſagreed not about the Maſs, about Prayer for the dead, Prayer to Saints, about the reall Preſence, or any ſuch point. All the diſagreement was about the time of keeping [Page] Easter, and the manner of Tonſure. Whence it is evident that Rome, in the points now in Controverſie, taught the very ſame this year 664 which it had taught the Scots by Palladius, An. 423. And what it taught then, it taught the Britans, An. 156. as I noted above B. 2. C. 2. ſee that place: ſee alſo the Preface. Number 1.

Chap. 27.

Relates, how divers Engliſh young men undertook a ſtricter courſe of Religious obſervance in Ireland, and how Egbert lying ſick, vow'd never Works of Superogation vowed. to return home to his Country, but to live as a Pilgrim all his life. Beſides the ordinary Canonicall Houres. [Page] ſervice of Canonicall houres, he vowed to ſay every day the whole Pſalter, and faſt once every week one whole day. His requeſt upon his Vow was heard, as by revelation Edelthun his companion told him; for recovering of his ſickneſs, Vows of Auſterity, approved from heaven. he was made Prieſt, and lived worthy of that Vocation. Beſides his Vows mentioned, he made and kept others, as that of Faſting the whole Lent: never eating but once a day, Lent. and then nothing but bread and thin milk, and that ſparingly. This kinde of Faſt, he kept forty dayes together before The antiquity of the holy Feaſt of Chriſtmaſs. Chriſtmas, and as long after Whitſontide all his life.

Chap. 28.

[Page]

Relates, Wilfrids being conſecrated Biſhop, how returning into England, he inſtructed much the Church of England, and reduc'd it to Catholike unity, touching external rites, and obſervances: whereby it came to paſſe, that Catholike Ordinances taking place, and being daily more and more embrac't; the Scots either yeelded or returned whence they came. Ceadda alſo is made Biſhop of the Weſt Saxons, renowned for Chaſtity, Humility and abſtinence.

Chap. 29.

The moſt renown'd Kings of England, Oſwin of Northumberland, [Page] and Ecbert of Kent, deliberated about the peacable government of the Church. For Oſwin though bred among The Church of Rome, the Catholike and Apoſtolike Church. the Scots, now underſtood that the Church of Rome was the Catholike and Apoſtolicall Church. They both by choiſe and conſent of the Clergy ſent Wigheard a Prieſt of great virtue to Rome, to be conſecrated Still recourſe unto Rome, concerning [...] Prima [...]. Archbiſhop, to the end he might conſecrate other Biſhops, for the Catholike Church of the Engliſh thorowout Britany. But before his Conſecration, he departed this life, which gave occaſion of Pope Vitalians letter to Oſwi, as followeth.

To our moſt Honourable Son, The Pope Father even to Kings. Oſwi, King.

We perceive your Excellencies [Page] pious devotion, hoping aſſuredly, that, as you now reign over your people, ſo in the life to come, you ſhall reign with Chriſt, &c. It behoveth you, being Peter twice here underſtood by the Prin [...] of the Apoſtles. now a part of Christ, to follow in all things the rule of the Prince of the Apoſtles, as well in obſerving Eaſter, as in all other things delivered by the Apoſtles Peter and Paul. As touching one endowed with learning and other qualities, fit to be your Biſhop, we cannot ſo ſuddenly have one ready, as ſoon as we ſhall find one worthy of that vocation we ſhall direct him to you. The preſents your Higneſs ſent to the bleſſed Prince of the Apostles, for his perpetuall memory, we have received; beſeeching with all our Clergie, the goodnes of God for [...] Kings. you. We have ſent you the favours, that is the Reliques of the [Page] bleſſed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of the holy Martyrs, Laurence, Croſſes, Reliques. John and Paul, of Gregory and Pancratius, all to be delivered to your Excellency. To your Lady our ſpiritual daughter, An Indulgence granted thereunto as to Medals ſay our Divines. we have ſent a Croſs, having in it a golden Key, made out of the holy Chains of the bleſſed Apoſtles Peter and Paul.

Chap. 30.

Relates, How the Eaſt Saxons, in time of the Plague, fell to worſhip Idols, but were ſoon reclaim'd,

The Fourth Book.

[Page]

Chap. 1.

RElates, how upon Wighards death before mentioned, the Pope enquired whom he might ſend for Archbiſhop to the Church of England: In the Monaſtery of Niridan, not far from Naples there was an Abbot call'd Adrian, Abbot [...] well learned in the Scriptures, throughly inſtructed in Monaſtical government, and very skilfull in the Greek and Latin tongue. This man was commanded by the Pope, to take upon him the Biſhoprick; but he anſwered, that he was not fit for ſo high a Degree, yet promiſing to [Page] produce one worthy of that Vocation; he offered to the Pope a certain Monk, call'd Andrew belonging to a Nunnery, but he being ſickly could not perform it. There was at Monks, Nuns. that time in Rome a Monk named Theodore, very learned; him Adrian preſented to the Pope, to be conſecrated Biſhop by him; yet Adrian was to accompany him into England, to have a diligent eye, that Theodore being a Grecian, introduced not after the manner of the Greeks, any doctrine contrary to the Faith received. The Pope ſtill inveſts our Primates. This man being made Subdeacon, ſtaid a while in Rome, till his hair was grown, to take the round Eccleſiaſtical tonſure, which before he had taken, Shaving of Clergy men. according to the Eaſt Church, after the manner of St. Paul. [Page] The King ſends Ridfrid his Lievtenant into France to conduct Shaving of Clergy men. him. At his arrival Theodore gave Adrian the Monaſtery of St. Peter the Apoſtle where he was Abbot thirty nine years.

Chap. 2.

Relates, How Theodore accompained by Adrian, viſited all the Countrey; and how all men did moſt gladly receive and hear him. He taught the right way of good life, with the canonical rites and orders of Eaſter; for he was the firſt Archbiſhop unto whom all the whole Church of the Engliſh did conſent unto; from their entrance into Britany, never was known happier times.

Chap. 3.

[Page]

Relates, How the moſt bleſſed Biſhop Chad, who of a Monk of Lesting, was made Biſhop, was uſed to go preach Our Biſhops Monks and of great ſanctity. the goſpell more on foot than on horſe-back. He govern'd after the example of the antient Fathers in great perfection of life. King Wulpher gave him land to build the Monaſtery of Etbere, where untill this day the ſteps of Monaſtical life, which he began, ſtill remain. The Cathedral at Lei [...]chfield now dedicated to St. Chad. His chief reſidence was at Lichfield, where he died, and was buried; and where his fear continueth to this day. He made himſelf a private Manſion, whether as often as he was at leiſure from the Miniſtery of the Goſpel, he was [Page] wont to repaire to pray and read with ſeven or eight of the brethren. It hapned, when his houre was come to paſs out of this world, he was in the ſaid Cloſet with one brother only, whoſe name was Owen; all the reſt being return'd to Church, as the houre required: This Owen was a Monk of great perfection, Good works done out of hope of reward done with pure intention. and had forſaken the world, with a pure intention and hope of reward in heaven, a man worthy to whom God ſhould reveale his ſecrets; and of credit in what he ſaith: For being Governour of Queen Edildreds Court, he deſpoiled himſelf of all, and came cloth'd A prophetical viſion. in poor apparrel to the Monaſtery of the ſaid Father. One day, as he was employed abroad, the reſt being gone to Church, the Biſhop being alone [Page] in the Oratory of the Houſe, Owen heard ſuddenly (as he after told) a moſt ſweet conſort of voices ſinging and rejoycing, coming down from heaven to earth, drawing neerer untill it came to the roof of the Oratory where the Biſhop was, where entring it fill'd it, and compaſt it round about. An houre after, he heard the ſame joyfull ſong aſcend from the ſame Oratory to heaven. He being aſtoniſht, the Biſhop opened the Oratory window, beckening with his hand, whereupon Owen came to him; to whom the Biſhop ſaid, Go quickly to the Church, and call thoſe ſeven br [...]thren hither. Being come, he admoniſht them to keep among themſelves, and towards all Charity, to follow the rule [...] [Page] and orders of Monaſtical diſcipline, which they had either learnt of him, or of their forefathers. Then he told them that his departure was nigh, For the most lovely gueſt (quoth he) that was wont to viſit our brethren (many had died Good works a preparation to death. of the Plague out of the Monaſtery) hath vouchſafed this day to come to me, and call me out of this world. Go ye to Church again, and ſpeak to the brethren, That with their Prayers, they both commend unto our Lord my departure, and remember with watching, prayers, and The bleſſing of men. good works to prepare alſo for their own. When the Brethren had taken his bleſſing and were gone; Owen caſting himſelf on the ground, ſaid, I pray you good Father what ſong was that I heard of that [Page] I heard of that joyfull company deſcending from heaven upon this Oratory, and again returning. He anſwered if you heard the ſinging, and underſtood the comming of the heavenly Companies; I charge you to tell no man thereof before my death. They were indeed Angels who came to call me to the heavenly rewards, which I alwayes loved and long'd for, and after ſeven dayes, they promiſed they would return and take me with them. The ſeventh day (as it was promiſed) after he had received the body and blood of our Lord, his holy Soul was carried (as we may well believe) by Angels to everlaſting joy. Among his manifold merits, he was renowned for Chaſtity, Abſtinence, Preaching, Prayer, voluntary [Page] Poverty. Agreeable to this Revelation is that which I now adde. Ecbert a Monk in Ireland, whom Higball Abbot went to ſee, ſaid, He knew one yet alive, who when Chad past out of this world beheld a company of Angels deſcend, and carry up his ſoul with them. St. Chad was buried firſt neer St. Maries Church, but afterwards St. Peter ſtill [...]alled Prince of the Apoſtles his bones were remov'd to the Church of the moſt bleſſed St. Peter Prince of the Apoſtles, in both which places, in token of his virtue, frequent miracles in healing of Tranſlation of Reliques. the ſick are wont to be wrought. One yt had a Phrenſie, lying by his tomb all night, the next morning came out Miracles by them. well, and in his perfect ſenſes, declaring to the great joy of all, that there he had by Gods [Page] goodneſſe got his health. The place is covered over with a wooden tomb like a houſe, having a little hole on the ſide, wherein they that come thither for devotion, are wont to put in their hand, and take of the duſt, which putting into water, they give to ſick beaſts, or men to drink; whereby they forthwith become whole.

Chap. 4.

Relates, How the Biſhop Colman leaving England, took with him ſome thirty Engliſh Monks, and afterwards founded a Monaſtery for them in Monks▪ Ireland, after the example of the Venerable Fathers, living under rule, and under a regular Abbot in great continency, [Page] getting their living with the labour of their hands.

Chap. 5.

The year 670. 2. King Oſwi of Northumberland died, he bore ſuch affection to the See Apoſtolike of Rome, that, had he lived, he purpoſed to have Pilgrimages to Rome. gone thither for to end his life in thoſe holy places, having for that purpoſe entreated Biſhop Wilfrid to be his guide. This Chapter further relates, how Theodore call'd a Synod of Biſhops at Hertford.

§

The reſult of this Synod was, that they maintain'd the Ancient Canons of the Church: Theodore at the beginning thereof, ſaid; I The See Apoſtolike appoints out Primats Theodore, though unworthy, appointed by the see Apoſtolike [Page] Archbiſhop of Canterbury, &c.

Chap. 6.

Theodore the Archbiſhop being offended with Winfrid Biſhop of the Mercians, for a crime of diſobedience, depoſed him, appointing in his place Sexwolph, who was founder Our Biſhops ſtill Monks. and Abbot of the Monaſtery of Medſhamſted, now called Peterborough: Winfrid returning to his Monaſtery, Artbear, there piouſly ended his life: Theodore alſo appointed Erconwald Biſhop of London, whoſe life and converſation was counted moſt holy, as to this Erconwald was firſt Abb [...] of Chertſey in Surrey. day his heavenly vertues and miracles do well declare: for his Horſe-litter wherein he was wont to be carried, when [Page] he was ſick, being yet kept by his diſciples, doth daily cure ſuch as have Agues, or are otherwiſe diſeaſed. The very Miracles. chips alſo, that are cut off from it, and brought to the ſick, are wont to give them ſpeedy remedy. He built two goodly Reliques. Monaſteries for himſelf and his Siſter Edilburge, furniſhing them with good Rules: that for his Siſter at Berring (in Nuns. Eſſex) where ſhe was Mother of the Nuns; behaving her ſelf in all vertuous converſation, as was ſhewed by Miracles They doe Miracles. from Heaven.

Chap. 7.

In this Monaſtery many wonderfull ſigns and Miracles were ſhew'd, which for the benefit of poſterity are written [Page] by many who knew them: when the Plague raging thorow the Iſland came to this Monaſtery, and had entred upon that part where the men lived, ſo that daily one or other was taken out of the Their habitation ſeemed from men. world; This good Mother being carefull of her company (at ſuch a time as the viſitation of God, touched that part of the Monaſtery, in the which the Handmaids of God dwelt by themſelves apart from the men) askt the Siſters In what place of the Monaſtery they would have their bodies buried when God ſhould viſit them? When ſhe could get no certain anſwer from them; ſhe and all the reſt received a moſt certain one and from God. For one night as theſe Handmaids of Chriſt went forth of the [Page] Chappel after Mattins, to the graves of the Brethren that were dead, ſinging accuſtomed prayers to our Lord; behold ſuddenly a light ſent down from Heaven in manner of a Sheet came over them, which ſtrook them with ſuch fear, that they ceaſt from ſinging; which brightneſs (whereunto the mid-day ſeem'd night) being again lifted up went to the ſouth part of the Monaſtery, and there ſtaying awhile, withdrew to heaven; ſo that none of them doubted, but that the very light which ſhould receive their ſouls into heaven, did alſo ſhew a place for their bodies to reſt in.

Chap. 8.

[Page]

There was a childe about three years old, brought up in this Houſe of Virgins, dedicated to God, to be employed in Meditation among them. This Childe being ſtrucken with the plague, coming to the Virgins conſecrared to Chr [...]ſt. pangs of death, ſpake to one of thoſe conſecrated Virgins of Chriſt, calling her by her name Fadgit. This Virgin being ſuddenly taken with the ſickneſſe departed this life, following the voice that called her. Another of the Handmaids of God, taken with the ſame diſeaſe, and brought to the laſt, told them that a certain holy man appear'd to her, A prophetical Viſion. who died the ſame year, bringing her word, that when the [Page] morning drew neer, ſhe ſhould depart to everlaſting light. The Truth was prov'd by the death of the Maid.

Chap. 9.

When Ediburge the pious Mother of this devout congregation was to depart this world, a wonderfull viſion was ſeen by one of the Siſters, whoſe name was Thorithgid, who had lived long in that Monaſtery, and was alwayes diligently employed in ſerving of God in great humility; ſhe had been tried in ſickneſs by the ſweet hand of God, for the ſpace of nine years, to the end that the ſpot of ſin by ignorance By patience we ſatisfie for our ſins. or negligence contracted might be purged by the fire of tribulation. This woman [Page] towards break of day ſaw plainly as it were a Corps brighter than the Sun, carried up in a winding ſheet from the Dormitory, where the Siſter lay, and diligently obſerving what it was, that drew up the Good works, the golden cords which life usup to heaven. glorious body, ſhe ſaw, as it were, certain cords, brighter than gold, which drew it ſo high, till it vaniſht away. By this ſhe underſtood that ſome of them ſhould ſhortly die, whoſe ſoul ſhould be lifted up to heaven by good works, as by golden cords, which hapned ſo; for not long after, the Mother of the Covent was delivered out of the priſon of Holy Nuns. this fleſh, whoſe life was ſuch, that no man can doubt, but that the entrance to heaven lay open to her. There was in the Monaſtery a holy Nun, [Page] noble by birth, noble for the love ſhe had of the world to come, who for many years was ſo bereft of all uſe of her limbs that ſhe was wholy unable to move her ſelf. This Nun when ſhe knew that the body of the reverend Abbeſs was brought to the Church to be buried, deſired ſhe might be carried thither, and laid down in the poſture of one praying. Which We pray to Saints as to theſe who hear us. done, ſhe ſpake to the Abbeſs, as if ſhe had been alive, deſiring her to obtain (of God) that ſhe might be looſed from her torments: The Petition was ſoon granted, for twelve dayes after, ſhe received everlaſting reward, in lieu of thoſe temporal afflictions. Thorithgid the handmaid of Chriſt, lived three years after the Abbeſſe, worn out with ſickneſſe. [Page] The time of her departing being come, ſhe was ſpeechleſſe three dayes and nights; but having her ſpeech reſtored in Viſions a Viſion, and being demanded of them, that were about her, to whom ſhe ſpake; To my most dear Mother Edilburge (quoth ſhe.) By theſe words, they underſtood that the holy Abbeſſe came to bring her word, that the time of her departure was at hand, for ſoon after ſhe died.

Chap. 10.

Hildehid a devoute handmaid of God ſucceeded Abbeſſe, who many years governed the Monaſtery very carefully Abbeſſes. in regular diſcipline and order. She cauſed the bones of Edilburge, the holy ſervant [Page] of Chriſt to be taken up and removed to the Church of the bleſſed Mother of God, in which place, how often the brightnes of heavenly light Miracles. appeared, how often fragrant odours of mervelous ſweetneſs were felt, with other Miracles appeareth in that book; whence we have taken theſe things. By no means, I think fit to over-paſſe one miracle which hapned there. An Earls wife had a darkneſs ſuddenly came over her eyes, which in the end made her ſtark blinde: Nuns. It came into her mind, that if ſhe were but brought to the Monaſtery of the Virgin-Nuns, and there prayed at the Reliques of the Saints, ſhe Efficacy of prayers to Saints at their Reliques. might be cured. Being led by her maid to the Monaſtery, as ſhe pray'd there, her Petition [Page] was heard. For riſing from her prayers, ſhe received her ſight, ſo that it ſeemed ſhe had loſt the light of this world, only to this end; that ſhe might ſhew by her recovery what, & how great the light is, that Chriſts Saints have in Heaven, & what their power & virtue is.

Chap. 11.

At that time Sebby a moſt devout and holy man, raign'd over the Eaſt-Saxons: He was Monaſtical life prefer'd before Kingdomes. much addicted to the exerciſe of Religion and Virtue, to Prayer and Charity, eſteeming a ſolitary and Monaſtical life above the riches and honour of a Kingdome: Which life he would long before (leaving his Kingdome) have embraced, but that his wife would not conſent. After thirty [Page] years being moleſted with a very great infirmity; he counſell'd his wife that now at leaſt they ſhould betake themſelves Religious habit different from Sceular. to God: which ſhe aſſenting to. He by the Biſhop of London Waldhers hand and bleſſing receiv'd the Habit of Religion. He beſtow'd much money on the poor, reſerving nothing for himſelf; chuſing This King became a Monk in the Monaſtery of St. Peter and St Paul in London. rather to remain poor in ſpirit for the Kingdome of Heaven. When he perceived death at hand, he ſent for the Biſhop, deſiring that at his paſſing out of this world, he and two of his Chaplines onely ſhould be preſent. Then falling aſleep, he was comforted by a Viſion, which ſhewing him his end, took from him all fear. He ſaw (as is reported) three men A prophetike Viſion. coming to him clad in bright [Page] garments, and one of them ſitting by his bed-ſide, told him his ſoul, in great light and ſalvation, ſhould depart without pain; and that he ſhould die the third day after. All which came to paſs. Tis further related, how the body being longer than the ſtone Coffin by a hand-breadth, the ſaid A Miracle very publike. Coffin by a miracle (wrought in the preſence of a multitude of people) was ſo enlarged, that at the head they could put a pillow, and at the feet was ſpace longer by foure fingers breadth than the Corps.

Chap. 12.

Ceadwal, having been King Our Kings turn Pilgrims. of the Weſt Saxons two years, for the love of Heaven, left his Kingdome; and went to Rome, [Page] where he ended his dayes. Two Biſhops are appointed in Wilfrids place over Northumberland, both taken out of the Our Biſhops Monks. Cloyſters of Monks.

Chap. 13.

Wilfrid the Biſhop forc't to leave his Dioceſs, through the diſpleaſure of the King; yet could not be kept from preaching the Goſpel; for he miniſtred to the South Saxons the Faith and Baptiſm. King Edilwach was Chriſtned not Godfathers. long before, King Wulpher being his Godfather at the Font. He Chriſtned alſo the principal Lords of the Countrey, the Queen with the reſt ſoon after following. The whole Province had never before heard of God, nor of the Faith: yet [Page] was there in the Countrey one Dicull a Monk, who lived in the Monaſtery of Boſanhun, with five or ſix brethren, ſerving Monks God in an humble and pure life; but the people would not follow them nor hear them. In the end Wilfrid by preaching the Goſpel to them, not onely delivered them from eternal damnation, but alſo from temporal death: For in three years before his Our Faith confirmed from heaven. coming, it had not raign'd one drop in all thoſe quarters, whereby a very ſore famine enſued, which pitifully waſted them. But on the very ſelf ſame day that the people received their Baptiſme, and Faith, there fell a moſt plentifull ſhower, wherewith the Earth flouriſht againe, and brought in a moſt fruitfull [Page] year. The King gave Wilfrid and his companions a place called Scoleycen. There he founded an Abbey, which he Monks. bound to monaſticall diſcipline, placing Monks there whoſe ſucceſſors hold it to this day.

Chap. 14.

At the ſame time in this Monaſtery, were ſhewed divers gifts of Heavenly grace. When firſt this Province received the name of Chriſt a ſore Plague raign'd in many places of England, which coming in to this Monaſtery, (which the vertuous Prieſt Eappa governed,) where many daily dyed, it ſeemed good to the Brethren, to appoint a faſt of three dayes, [Page] humbly to implore Gods mercy. There was in the houſe at that time a little Boy, lately converted; who was taken with the ſickneſs: When the ſecond day of Faſting and Prayer was come, it hapned that in the morning, there appeared unto him, the two moſt bleſſed and chief Apoſtles, A prophetical Viſion. St. Peter and Paul; (for the boy was innocent, and endow'd with the Sacrament of Faith:) The Apoſtles ſaluted him, ſaying, Son fear not death, for we will this day bring thee to Heaven: but thou ſhalt stay till the Maſſes be ſaid, and after thou Maſſes. hast received the Viaticum or journey-earneſt, of the body and blood of our Lord, thou ſhalt be convey'd to everlaſting joyes: Call Eappa the Prieſt, and tell him thus; Our Lord hath heard [Page] your prayers, and looked mercifully upon your faſting, there ſhall not one more dye of the plague in this Monaſtery; and they that are ſick ſhall recover. But thou alone (ſaid they) ſhalt be ſet free, and go unto the Lord, whom thou haft ſerved. Tell them it hath pleaſed God to doe thus for them, through the interceſſion of the dear ſervant of God King Oſwald: For on this day Interceſſion of Saints approved from heaven. was he Martyred by the Infidels, and taken up to Heaven. Let them look their Book, wherein are registred the departed, and they ſhall find it ſo: Let them therefore ſay Maſſes through all the Oratories of the Monastery, giving thanks, as well that their prayer is heard, as alſo in the memory Maſſes commanded by the Apoſtles. of the ſaid King, who formerly was their King, and therefore earneſtly prayed for them, as [Page] for thoſe of his Nation. And when all the brethren are come together to Church, let them be partakers of the heavenly ſacrifice Interceſſion of Saints avouched by the Apoſtles. and ſo end their faſt. All this being related by the boy, the Prieſt enquired after what manner they appear'd: He anſwered, They were comely and reſplendent in habit, and countenance above any he had ever ſeen, St. Peters Eccleſiaſticall Tonſure. the one with the celeſtial Tonſure, the other with a long Beard, and they ſaid, they were Peter and Paul, ſervants of Christ, ſent for the defence of the Monaſtery. The Prieſt believing the words by the Boy, ſeeking in the Records, found that Oſwald was ſlain that day: calling therefore together the brethren, he commanded Maſſes to be ſaid, and that all ſhould communicate after the [Page] accuſtomed manner, and alſo cauſed a particle of the ſame ſacrifice of the Lords Oblation Sacrifice. Communion under one kinde. to be brought to the ſick Boy, which done, he died the ſame day; confirming by his death the truth of the Apoſtles words; for no more but he dyed out of the Monaſtery. By this Viſion many were ſtirred up to pray, and call for mercy in adverſity, as alſo to uſe the wholſome help and medicine of faſting. And from that time, as well in the Monaſteries, as in very many other places, the Birth-day of the ſaid King, began yearly to be Maſſes Yearly Feaſts of Martyrs. kept holy with celebration of Maſſes.

15

The 15. Chapter nothing but Civil Affairs.

Chap. 16.

[Page]

Relates, How King Cedwall, The Iſle of Wight laſt converted. though not yet Chriſtned, bound himſelf by Vow, that if he took the Iſle of Wight, he would give unto God the fourth part thereof, which he perform'd. He gave it Wilfrid Wilfrid their Apoſtle. for the ſervice of our Lord. Thus this Iſland after all the Provinces of Britany was converted.

Chap. 17.

At this time, Theodore, the Archbiſhop, hearing that the Faith was much oppoſed at Conſtantinople, by the Hereſie of Eutichus, and deſiring that the Engliſh Church, which he govern'd might continue free [Page] from any ſuch ſpot; gathered an Aſſembly of many Reverend Prieſts and Doctours, where he found an uniform conſent of them in the Catholike Faith. Theodore, By the grace of God, Archbiſhop of the Iſle of Britany, and with him ſitting the other Biſhops at Hetfield, &c. After debate and conference, We have ſet forth the The faith of all the Biſhops and Doctors of England. true Catholike Faith in ſuch ſort as our Lord delivered it, &c. We have received the five holy and The Antient Engliſh bleſſed Church received more than the firſt four Councells. general Synods of the bleſſed and beloved Fathers of God, viz. of 318. aſſembled at Nice againſt the wicked Arius and his opinions: and of 150. at Constantinople againſt the fond Sect of Macedonins, and that at Epheſus the firſt time of 200. againſt wicked Neſtorius, and that of Calcedon of a 130. against [Page] Eutichus; and at Conſtantinople the ſecond time, where was aſſembled the fifth Councell against Theodore and others. Alſo we receive the Synod held at Rome, in the time of the moſt holy Pope Martin: We worſhip and glorifie our Lord as thoſe men have done, neither adding nor diminiſhing; and we excommunicate with heart and mouth, thoſe whom they excommunicate; and whom they have received, we receive.

Chap. 18.

At this Synod was preſent, Abbots and Monks. and confirm'd the Catholike Faith, a Reverend man, nam'd John, the cheif Chantour of St. Peters, and Abbot of the Monaſtery of St. Martins, who was come from Rome, by command [Page] of Pope Agatho, having for his guide the Reverend Abbot By prince of the Apoſtles ſtill St. Peter underſtood. Benedict. For having built a Monaſtery in England, in honour of the Prince of the Apoſtles, he came to Rome (as often before) with Ceolfrid his companion in the ſame work (after Abbot) and was receiv'd moſt honourably by the Pope, of whom he obtain'd Letters of Priviledges of Popes admitted in England. Priviledge by Apoſtolike Authority, as he knew King Egfrids will was by whoſe liberal Abbi [...]s. gift he had erected it. He brought this John with him into England, to teach the Abbeyes the yearly courſe and order of ſinging, as it was taught at St. Peters in Rome, which he did, teaching the Chantours How antient our Church Muſick is above that of the Proteſtants and Choriſters of the Abbey, the order and form of ſinging and reading; committing to writing [Page] thoſethings which appertain'd to the celebration of the Celebration of Feaſts according to the practice of Rome. high Feaſts and Holy-dayes through the year: which have been hither kept in the ſame Abbey, and are now in all places copied out. They came to hear him from all the Monaſteries of the Province, and many invited him to come unto them: He had in charge from the Apoſtolike Pope, diligently to obſerve what Faith the Church of England profeſt, and bring him word thereof to Rome: So the Copy of the foreſaid Synod was given to him to carry to Rome, wherein the Catholike Faith was found ſound and uncorrupt; but in his return he died: His body for the love he bore to St. Martine (whoſe Monaſtery he govern'd) was honourably buried [Page] at Towers. Nevertheleſſe, the Copy of the Catholike Faith was brought to Rome, and joyfully received by the See Apoſtolike.

Chap. 19.

King Egfrid took to wife Ediltrude daughter of the King of the Eaſt-Saxons; yet ſhe remain'd twelve years a Virgin, as Biſhop Wilfrid a man of holy memory did inform me, enquiring purpoſely thereof, becauſe ſome doubted it▪ And that ſuch things may be done in our time, as formerly, (as Hiſtories P [...]rpetuall Virginity in Wedlock. witneſs) we may not queſtion. This alſo was a ſigne of the divine Wonder, that the body of the ſame Virgin, being buried, remain'd uncorrupt, which ſhews ſhe ever lived This approved by Miracles. [Page] untoucht. And tis well known, ſhe long beſought the King, that ſhe might forſake the cares of the world, and go into a Monaſtery to ſerve Nuns. Chriſt: Which having obtain'd, ſhe choſe the Monaſtery of Abbeſſe Ebba; Biſhop Wilfrid, giving her the Veile and Nuns Habit. cloathing of a Nun. A year after, ſhe was made Abbeſſe in the Iſle of Ely; where was built a Monaſtery of Virgins dedicated to God, to whom ſhe proved a good mother, living a Virgin in example and heavenly life. Tis ſaid, that Their Holy life. from the time ſhe entred, ſhe never wore linnen, but wollen onely; very ſeldome, but on high feaſts, or for neceſſity, did ſhe eat more than once a day. From the time of her firſt ſetling to prayer untill day light, [Page] ſhe continued in the Church. They ſay, ſhe propheſied, ſhe ſhould die of the plague, and declared the number that ſhould die out of the Monaſtery. Sexburge her ſiſter ſucceeded Abbeſſe, who plac'd her Siſters bones in the Church, the Grave being opened, and the body of the holy Virgin and ſpouſe of Chriſt, taken up, it was found as free from corruption (though buried ſixteen years) as if ſhe had died Approved by Mirades. the ſame day, as Biſhop Wilfrid and others witneſſe; and the cloaths wherein her body was wrapt, appear'd whole, and ſo new, that they ſeem'd but then to be put on: It is further related, How being moleſted in her life time, with a ſwelling and pain of her cheek and neck; ſhe rejoyc'd and was [Page] wont to ſay; I know I deſervedly undergoe this pain, for when I was a girle, I wore the ſuperfluous burthen of precious Pearls and necklaces, and I believe God doth therefore ſend this pain in my ne [...]k, that he may ſo abſolve me from the guilt of vaenity, whilſt in lein of Gold and pretious ſtones the fiery heate annoieth me. It hapned alſo that by the touching of the ſaid clothes wherein the Corps lay Miracles by Relikes. Spirits were expelled out of poſſeſt bodies and diſeaſes heal'd. And tis ſaid that the Tombe in which ſhe was firſt laid, cured thoſe that had ſore We commonly call ihis Virgin St. Audry. eyes, who making their prayyer, and applying their head to the Coffin, forthwith were freed. The body of the Virgin is kept to this day, and had in great veneration: The Tomb [Page] ready made, was not without miracle found fit for the Virgins body

Chap. 20.

I adde (ſaith Bede) a Hymne of this Queen and Spouſe of Nuns Spouſes of Chriſt and therefore Queens. Chriſt, and therefore truly Queen becauſe Chriſts Spouſe. then followeth the Hymne.

Chap. 21.

Nothing but a battell, in which King Elbuine was ſlain; peace enſued.

Chap. 22.

In the foreſaid battell, a thing famous and well known to many hapned, which we may not omit, both for the [Page] profit of the Reader and glory of God. Among the ſouldiers A ſtory profitable to the Reader and glorious to God. that were ſlain, a young man called Imma was left for dead, who at laſt reviving and binding up his wounds, was taken, and brought before the Commander, he fearing to confeſſe he was a ſouldier, ſaid he was a Farmer of the Country, and had brought victuals to the Campe. The Commander (for all that) at night, commanded he ſhould be kept in Irons; yet none would hold him: for as ſoon as they were gone that bound him, his Fetters fell off. For he had a Brother, whoſe name was Tunna a Prieſt, and Abbot of a Monaſtery in the City, called this day Tunnaceſter, who hearing his Brother was ſlain, came to ſeek his body, where finding [Page] one like him, he brought him Maſſe proved by Miracle to be propitiatory for the living and dead Ano. 679. to the Abbey and buried him; and after cauſed Maſſes to be ſaid, to obtain Abſolution for his ſoul; by the ſaying of which Maſſes it came to paſſe, that nothing could bind him, but that he was inſtantly looſed. The Earle that kept him wondered thereat, and inquired of him the cauſe I have (quoth he) a brother that is a Prieſt, I know he thinks that I am ſlain, and therefore doth often ſay Maſſe for me. And if I now were in another world, my ſoule ſhould be looſed from pains, through his Interceſſion and Prayers, as my body is hear from fetters. Being recovered, the Earle ſent him to London, and ſold him to a Marchant of Frizeland, but neither he, nor any elſe could binde him by [Page] any meanes. The Merchant ſeeing this, took a ranſome for him: For about the third hour in the morning, when Maſſes began to be ſaid, very often were his Fetters looſed. Imma returning to his Countrey, declared to his brother all that hapned, and he knew by what his brother told him, that his bonds were looſed at thoſe times chiefly, in which Maſſes were ſaid for him. He underſtood alſo, that the other great helps that befell him, came from Heaven, through his Brothers Interceſſion and offering of the ſaving Hoſt and Sacrifice. Many that heard this, were devoutly inflamed in faith, imployjng themſelves in Prayer, Almes and Charitable deeds, offering to our Lord Hoſts of Sacred Oblations, [Page] and Sacrifices for the delivery of their friends, that were departed this world. For they underſtood thereby, Note how ſure this ſtory is. and knew that the ſaving ſacrifice was effectuall to the everlaſting Redemption of body and ſoul. This ſtory was told me by them that heard it from the man on whom it was done: and therefore knowing it to be undoubtedly true, I inſert it here.

Chap. 23.

The year following, the devout and Religious ſervant Holy Nuns. of Chriſt Hilda Abbeſſe of Streanſhal, after many heavenly deeds, paſt out of this world to the rewards of heaven: Religious life the more ready way to heaven. Three and thirty years ſhe lived in a ſecular life, and as many did ſhe dedicate more nobly [Page] to our Lord in Monaſticall life, ſhe was Daughter to the Nephew of King Edwin. Yet ſhe quitted her ſecular habit, deſiring to go into France, and there in a Monaſtery, to lead a Pilgrimes life, that ſo more eaſily ſhe might enjoy an everlaſting Country▪ There liv'd in that Monaſtery at the ſame time Herewid her ſiſter, Mother to Aldulf, King of the Eaſt-Engliſh; under the rule and diſcipline of Religion, and after the example of her ſiſter ſhe lived as a ſtranger out of her own Country: A year after Hilda being called home by Aidan the Biſhop, had a Lordſhip given her, where ſhe lived a Monaſtical life with her company. Then was ſhe made Abbeſſe of a Monaſtery, called He [...]rthew which was [Page] built by the devout Handmaid of Chriſt Heiu who is ſaid to have been the firſt in Northumberland, that took upon her the ſtate and habit of a Nun, being conſecrated by Aidan. This handmaid of Chriſt goveining this Monaſtery, ordered the [...] excellently in regular life and diſcipline: Having ruled, there for ſome years in great obſervance and ſtrictneſſe of Regular life, ſhe took upon her the building of Streanſhal, which ſhe furniſht with the ſame Rules and Orders. She admirably taught Monaſteries. the works of Righteouſneſſe, Devotion, and Chaſtity, after the example of the Primitive Church. There was none rich none poor, all was in common, nothing peculiar, or ſingular, in any one; ſhe made the Religious [Page] men that lived under her, beſtow their time in reading of holy Scripture, and practiſe of vertue, that thence might be found men worthy Altars. Our Biſhops Monks of ſingular ſanctity. to ſerve the Altar, whereof five were Biſhops of eminent ſanctity. One of them called Oſtfor, when he had in both Monaſteries diligently followed the reading of Scripture, deſirous of further perfection came into Kent, to Archbiſhop Pilgrimage to Rome a thing of great vertue An 680. Theodore: he went alſo to Rome, which at that time was counted a thing of great vertue: As for Hilda, after ſeven years extraordinary patience in ſickneſs, ſhe died. Her death was revealed by a manifeſt viſion in another Monaſtery. There was a certain Nun called Nuns graced With heavenly viſions. [...]egu, who had ſerved our Lord in Monaſticall converſation [Page] and virginity thirty years and more. This Nun taking her reſt in the dormitary, heard ſuddenly the bell ring, which was wont to call them up to prayers, when any of them departed this world; and opening her eyes ſhe ſaw the roof, and all above full of lights, and the ſoul of the ſaid handmaid of God in that light carried into heaven, accompanied by Angels. Hereupon ſhe roſe and went to the Virgin that was governeſſe of the Monaſtery and told her that the Mother of them all, Hilda was departed, and with a great company of Angels aſcended to Heaven; then ſhe made the Siſters riſe and go to Church, willing then to ſay prayers & Pſalms for the ſoul of their Mother. At break of day came the Brethren [Page] to bring word of her departure, but they ſhewed they knew it before. It is reported that in the ſame Monaſtery where the Handmaid of Chriſt died, one of theſe vow'd Virgins had her departing ſhewed her in a viſion, beholding her Years of noviſhip or probation of Religious. ſonl going with the Angels to heaven, whileſt ſhe was at that time with other handmaids of Chriſt in the remote places of the Monaſtery, were ſuch as were newly come to Religion were wont to be tried in a place a part the time of their probation, till inſtructed in the rule and order, they were admitted to the fellowſhip of the reſt.

Chap. 24.

[Page]

Contains the vertues of one Holy Monks. Cednom, and relates how he became a Monk, and how the night before he died, he deſired him who ſerv'd the ſick, to Reſervation of the Sacrament prepare him a lodging in that place where thoſe, who lay a dying, uſed to be lodged, (commonly called the infirmary) who wondering thereat he not ſeeming near death, did notwithſtanding what he deſired. About midnight he enquired, Communion under one kind. The Cuſtome of ſinging Mattins and Lauds in the night. The ſigne of the Croſſe. whether they had the Euchariſt within? And receiveing it, he askt, How nigh the hour was that the brethren ſhould riſe to perform their nightly Laudes? they anſwered not far off. Then quoth he, let us expect. that hour, being come, ſigning himſelf [Page] with the ſign of the holy Croſs ſleeping a while he dyed, becoming a Prophet of his own death.

Chap. 25.

Relates, How the Monaſtery of Virgins in Colloden (now call'd Coldingham in the marches Strange Auſterity of the antient Monks. of Scotland) was burnt, How alſo in the ſame Monaſtery, one named Adaman led a very devout life in chaſtity, abſtinence, and prayer, ſo that he did neither eat nor drink except on Sunday and Thurſday, and often times paſt over whole nights in Watching and prayer. Having in his youth committed a Confeſſion. Abſolution for a time deferred. grievous ſin, it often occurring to him, he reſorted unto a Prieſt, confeſt his ſin unto him, [Page] and deſired his counſel, how to eſcape the wrath of God. The Prieſt when he heard his offence, ſaid, A great wound requires a greater cure, give thy Satisfaction. ſelf to Faſting and Prayer, to the end thou mayeſt find God merciful to thee. But he out of exceſſive grief, deſiring forth with to be abſolv'd from his ſins, ſaid, I am young and ſtrong, therefore whatſoever you impoſe, I will perform to be ſaved, although it be to paſſe the whole night in Prayer, and the whole week in abſtinence. Tis too much ſaid the Prieſt; it ſufficeth you to faſt two or three dayes at once; do this a while then returning unto me, I will declare unto thee, how thou mayeſt perſiſt in doing Pennance. Some unexpected cauſe calling this Prieſt into Ireland, [Page] he departed this life. But Adaman ever after kept this manner of faſting. The latter part of this Chapter, recounts the viſion of one who appearing Sins redeemed by good works. to Adaman, ſaid, Thou and many others have need to redeem your ſins by good works: foretelling him the ruine was to befall that Monaſtery for neglect of due obſervance which after hapned. This Giles a moſt Reverend Prieſt told me, who How aſſured all this is. then lived in that Monaſtery.

Chap. 26.

Relates, chiefly the Revolution of civil affaires, and ſome few other paſſages little to our purpoſe.

Chap. 27.

[Page]

Relates, How Cuthbert, a Holy man being conſecrated Biſhop of Lindis-ferne, lived a ſolitary life many yeares in great continency, and how firſt Solitary life. Our cheif holy Biſhops Monks. in the Monaſtery of Mailroſe he was an humble ſcholler to Boiſel a man of great vertue and of a Prophetick Spirit. He learned of him the Scriptures and example of good workes His Maſter dying Cuthbert was made Head of the Monaſtery, and brought many to a regular life. He often went out into the villages to preach the They ſhine with the gift of propheſy. way of truth to them that went aſtray. For it was the cuſtome of England at that time, that when any Clergyman or Prieſt came forth, they [Page] all flock about him to hear the Word, diligently hearkening, and more willingly following in works what they heard. None hid the ſecrets of his heart from him, but all plainly declared in Confeſſion what they had done, becauſe they imagined, theſe things were not concealed from him & as Confeſſion, Satisfaction. he commanded, ſo did they blot out their ſins Confeſt with worthy fruits of Pennance. He was remov'd from the Monaſtery of Mailroſe (after he had many years excell'd there in great ſignes of vertue) to Lindisfern, to teach the Brethren the obſervance of regular diſcipline. Aidan firſt Biſhop of that place was a Monk, and did there place and begin Monaſtical life and converſation, joyning it with his Epiſcopal Function, [Page] even as the bleſſed Father Auguſtine had done in Kent.

Chap. 28.

After this Cuthbert encreaſing in merits paſt further, and Anchorets graced with Mi [...]acles. led an Anachorets life: The place he made choice of being hanted with ſpirits, and deſtitute of Water, Corn and Trees; he, by his prayers, chaſing them away, made habitable. He commanded the brethren to dig, where the earth was hardeſt and ſtonieſt, and by his prayers obtain'd ſuch plenty of water, that it ſuffic [...]th all to this very day. He commanded alſo Barley to be ſown in a ſeaſon moſt improper; and yet he reaped a plentifull crop. Tis related further, How at the Synod of [Page] Atwiford he was compell'd to take the Office of a Biſhop, and that which forced him, was that the ſervant of God Boiſell (who with a prophetick ſpirit foretold many things) had propheſied, that he ſhould be Sacrifice. Biſhop. He was famous for abſtinence and ſtrictnes of life. When he offered the wholeſome Sacrifice to God, it was Gift of Pr [...] pheſie, with tears from the bottome of his heart. Having ſpent two years in his Epiſcopal Function, he return'd to his Monaſtery, admoniſht from God of the day of his death, which he declared to ſome in obſcure words, though afterward plainly underſtood: To others he openly manifeſted the ſame.

Chap. 29.

[Page]

Relates How Herebert a Prieſt of great perfection and friend to Cuthbert, led a ſolitary life, to whom Cuthbert revealing his Solitary life. own death, he fell downe at his feet, requeſting him to obtaine that he might paſſe to Heaven with him. Cuthbert having A proph [...]ſi [...]. made his prayer, told him his requeſt was granted. The event confirmed the Propheſie, for they died both upon one day.

Chap. 30.

God being pleaſ'd to manifeſt in how great glory Cuthbert lived after his death, Miracles. whoſe godly life cxcelled in many Miracles, inſpired the Reliques▪ [Page] Brethren, a eleven years after to remove his bones. Opening the Tombe, they found the body all whole, as if it were alive, A Miracle. the [...], joynts, ſinues pliable, the garments alſo ſeemed freſh, and reſplendent. They went to the Biſhop, who was then in a ſolitary place incompaſt with the ſea. For there was he wont alwayes to Lents forty dayes faſt. keep [...]he time of Lent, and forty dayes alſo before Christmas, in devotion, abſtinence and tears: They brought him part of the Clothes that were about the Holy body, which he received as an acceptable preſent, and kiſſing them with great affection rejoyceth to hear of ſuch Miracles. His ſucceſſor of great vertue Eadbert was laid in Cuthberts grave, in which place Miracles [Page] done in reſtoring the ſick, do witneſs the vertuous lives of them both.

Chap. 31.

Relates, How one was cured Miraculous Reliques. of a Palſie at Cuthberts Tombe. The Clothes alſo wherewith the Holy body was clad, either in his life or after his death, did not want the gifts of healing the ſick.

Chap. 32.

Relates, How another was cured at St. Cuthberts reliques Miraculous Reliques. of a great ſore in his eie. The Monks had taken ſome of Cuthburts haire of his head for reliques to ſhew and give: And as ſoon as part thereof was applied to theſore, the partie was healed.

The Fifth Book.

[Page]

Chap. 1.

Relate [...], How Edilwald, Cuthberts ſucceſſor in a ſolitary Solitary life. life, alaid, by prayer, a great tempeſt at Sea, wherein ſome of his Brethren were in danger. Gutfrid (ſaith Bede) a faithfull ſervant of Chriſt who was one of the Company, and after Abbot of Lindesferne declared Monks of miraculous ſanctity. it to me. When we had (ſaid Gutfrid) talkt with him much to our comfort, having askt bleſſing, we haſtned home. Soon after a great tempeſt aroſe: Edilwald falling on his knees prayed to God to deliver us, and ſuddenly the storme ceast, and we came ſafe to land. As ſoon as we were aſhore, the Tempeſt and [Page] storme began again, and lasted all that day, to give us to underſtand that the calme was given us by God, at the prayers of the Holy man. After his deceaſe, he was buried in St. Peter the Apoſtles Church.

Chap. 2.

John, Famous for integrity, and purity of life was made Biſhop of Hagulſtad, of whom his familiar acquaintance were wont to report many ſtrange Miracles how authenticall. Miracles wrought at ſeverall times, cheifly Berethun (who is now Abbot) a man moſt Reverend and faithfull in his relations, of which I thought fit to record ſome. There is a private abode neer a Church-yard of St. Michael the Arch-Angell, hither this holy man [Page] was wont to retire himſelf to pray eſpecially in time of Lent. The time being now at hand, he gave command to ſeek out ſome begger, towards whom he might exerciſe his charity. They brought him one who was dumbe: One week of Lent being paſt, he call'd the dumb Lents faſt of 40. dayes. begger to him, and bidding him put out his tongue made the ſigne of the Croſſe upon it, and then bad him ſpeak, Miracles by the ſigne of the Croſſe. whereupon he ſpoke after the Biſhop all that he ſuggeſted, and ſo perfectly recovered his ſpeech.

§

Note that this John is he who was called John of Beverlay, How aſſured this and the Miracles in the next five chapters be▪ whence Godwin ſaith Bede was much to blame if theſe things be not true. For he knew him, and took [Page] holy Orders of him, and lived in his Dioceſs.

Chap. 3.

Relates, How the ſaid Biſhop, coming to a Monaſtery in a Town call'd Vetade, where Nuns. Hereburge was Abbeſſe, ſhe told him that one of the Nuns of the Convent was very ſick, and lay pining, and languiſhing away: And ſhe beſought the Biſhop to go in and bleſſe her, which he did, ſaying prayers over her, and departing bleſt her: As we were taking our leave, (ſaith Abbot A Miracle by the bleſſing of the Biſhop teſtified by an eye-witneſs. Berecht) the ſwelling went away, and the Maide was delivered from danger:

Chap. 4.

[Page]

Relates, How an Earle ſent his ſick Lady ſome of the water A Miracle by Holy Water related by an eye-witneſs. which the ſaid Biſhop had hollowed, in the dedication of a Church, willing her to drink of it, and waſh the Churches dedicated therewith. greived part, which done, ſaith Abbot Berecht, ſhe roſe ſo whole and ſound, that ſhe ſerved us at the table.

Chap. 5.

Another time when the holy Biſhop had dedicated a Dedication of Church [...]s. Church, an Earle called Addi intreated him to come to his Houſe, where one of his family lay ſo deſperatly ſick, that his Coffin was already prepared, hoping that if he [Page] had but laid his hands upon him and bleſſed him, he ſhould be better. The Biſhop enters, A Miracle of the Holy Biſhops bleſſing. makes his prayer, bleſſes him, ſaying, God ſend you whole, ſon; Then ſitting down at Table, the partie ſent for a Cup of wine, which the Biſhop bleſſed and ſent him. As ſoon as he drank it, he aroſe a ſound man, put on his apparel, came to the Table, ſaying, that he deſired to eat and drink with them, he ſat down, eat, drank, and was as merry as any at the Table, and lived many yeares after a ſound man. This Miracle the Abbot Berecht ſaid, he had How ſure this is. from thoſe who were preſent.

Chap. 6.

[Page]

Herebald, A faithfull ſervant of Chriſt now Abbot of a monaſtery A Miracle related by him on whome it was done. was heard to ſay as touching John the Biſhops worth: I have had experience in many others, but eſpecially in my ſelf, as whom he in a manner forced from death to life by his prayer and benediction: for having been ſore bruiſed with a fall, I was healed by the Biſhops interceſſion. When for age the Biſhop could not preach, he conſecrated his Chaplin Wilfrid Arch-Biſhop of Yorke; and himſelf retiring into a Monaſtery there ended his dayes.

Chap. 7.

[Page]

Cedwell King of the Weſt-Saxons Good works for hope of reward. (after he had raigned two years) for hope of an eternall kingdome forſook his owne, and went to Rome. He thought it a ſingular glory to be regenerated at the holy Apoſtles Our Kings Pilgrimes to Rome. Tombes by the Sacrament of Baptiſme, hoping ſoon after to paſſe to eternall life; which hapned as he deſired. He was baptiſed on Eaſter eve, An. 689, and wearing yet the robes of Innocency fell fick, and died. Whom the Pope at his Baptiſme nam'd Peter, that he might beare the By Prince of the Apoſtles Peter underſtood. holy name of the Prince of the Apoſtles, whoſe Tombe he came to ſee with great devotion many hundred miles: Hun [Page] ſucceeded him, who having been King ſeven and thirty years, leaving his Kingdome, Our Kings Pilgrimes to Rome. went to the Tombes of the Apoſtles in Rome, having an earneſt deſire to live a Pilgrime on Earth for a time neer thoſe Holy places, that ſo he might Good works for hope of reward. deſerve the better to be received of the Saints in heaven; Which practiſe in thoſe dayes many Engliſh, both of Nobles and Commons, Spirituall and temporall, Men and Women, Pilgrimages t [...] Rome moſt frequent. An. 639 were wont to performe with exceeding emulation.

Chap. 8.

Relates, How Theodore, Arch-Biſhop of Canterbury, departed this life very aged, and how the number of years he lived, were ſignified unto him [Page] by revelation. He was buried in St. Peters Church. A man worthy of perpetuall remembrance, How worthy men the Pope ſent ſtill to England. for his ſingular vertues, of whom with his companions it may be ſaid: That their names ſhall live in glory from generation to generation. Then the Church of England Eccle. c. 44. v 14. received ſuch comfort and encreaſe in ſpirituall matters, that it never received the like before nor after.

Chap. 9.

Berechwald, ſucceedeth Theodore in Canterbury, who was Monks made Prima [...]s. Abbot of. Raſhwulfe, now called Reculver in Kent, a man well knowing in the holy Scripture, ſkilfull in Eccleſiaſticall and Monaſticall orders and diſcipline. He conſecrated [Page] Toby Biſhop of Rocheſter, one expert in the Latine and Greek Tongue.

Chap. 10.

Relates, How Egbert, a Reverend Prieſt and ſervant of God, to obtaine Heaven, led a Pilgrims life in Ireland. He Good Works in hope of reward. took upon him the office of an Apoſtle, deſirous to preach the word of God to the German provinces, which had not yet received it, or if this could not be, to travell to Rome, to Viſiting and worſhipping Saints bodie [...] ▪ ſee and worſhip the Tombes of the bleſſed Apoſtles and Martyrs. But by revelation from Heaven neither of theſe was effected. For Boiſell once Abbot of Mailroſe, appearing after Mattins to a Religious Man, bad him go tell Egbert, [Page] that he muſt not perform that Journey; but that it was Gods will that he ſhould go and inſtruct Columbe's Monaſtery. This Columbe was the firſt Preacher of the Faith to the Picts, and the firſt Founder of a Monaſtery in the Iſle of Hu, which was had in great eſtimation. Egbert neglecting for awhile to go to the Monaſtery, as he was commanded Heavenly Apparitions. of God, Boiſell appeared again to that Religious man, telling him that he ſhould ſay to Egbert, that whether he would or no he ſhould go to Columb's Monastery. Which ſo fell out; For by tempeſt he was drive thither: yet one of his companions, Wigbert by Anchorets of great perfection. name, excelling in contempt of the world, and profound knowledge, for he had led an [Page] Anacorrites life in great perfection many years arrived in Frizland, but without ſucceſſe. So he returned to his former ſolitary life.

Chap. 11.

Egbert, By Revelation from God, not being ſuffered to preach in Germany, he ſent other holy and vertuous men, of whom that notable and excellent man Willibrord Prieſt was chief: They converted Frizeland from Idolatry to the Faith of Chriſt, two other Engliſh Prieſts, who had voluntarily liv'd in baniſhment in Ireland, for hope of eternal life, whoſe names were Henwald, Good works for hope of r [...] ward. came into Saxony to win ſouls to Chriſt. The barbarous obſerving them to be of [Page] another Religion (for they ſung Hymns, Pſalms and devoute Prayers, and daily offered Sacrifice upon a portable Altar. the ſacrifice of the holy Hoſt, having with them holy Veſſels, a little Table hollowed, inſtead of an Altar) ſuſpecting they came to withdraw their Land from worſhipping Miracles at Saints bodies. their gods, murthered them; and to witneſs their Martyrdome, there appeared Miracles from Heaven. For their bodies being caſt into the river of Rhene, were carried almoſt forty mile againſt the main ſtream to their companions, and a great bright beam of light, reaching up to heaven, ſhin'd every night over the place where their bodies were. One of them appeared in the night, to a companion of his, nam'd Tilmon, [Page] (who of a Souldier was become a Monk) telling him, that he ſhould find their bodies where he ſhould ſee a light ſhine from heaven: which happened accordingly: Feaſts of Martyrs. The day of their Martyrdome or Invention is in thoſe places celebrated with due veneration. King Pipin with great glory entombed them at Collen. Tis reported, that in the place in which they were killed, a Spring bubbled up, which to this day affordeth plenty of water▪

Chap. 12.

Willebrord with theſe Holy men his companions, having licenſe of the Prince to preach in Frizland, went firſt to Rome, where Sergius ſate in the See Apoſtolike, that by his approbation [Page] and benediction he might ſettle to the Apoſtolike Apoſtolicall Preachers reſort to the Pope for his licence and benediction. office of preaching to the Heathens, hoping withall to receive of him ſome Reliques of Chriſts holy Apoſtles and Martyrs, that when caſting out Idols he erected Churches, he might have in readineſs ſome They premote the worſhip of Reliques. holy Saints Reliques to bring in their place, and to dedicate them in their honour, whoſe Reliques he had received. All things ſucceeding to his deſire Swibert is choſen their Biſhop, and conſecrated in England by Wilfred, and returning, converteth a great number. At laſt The Apoſtolicall men, Monkes. building a Monaſtery, in an Iſle of the Rhene, leading there a very auſtere and continent life he died. His ſucceſſors poſſeſſe the ſame to this day. Pepin ſent that vertuous and [Page] worthy Prelate Wilbrord to Rome, by conſent of all, that he might be made Archbiſhop of Frizland, upon Saint Cicilyes day Anno 690. and in her Church he was conſecrated A [...] Archbiſhop appointed in Frezland by the Pope. and named Clement by the Pope and ſent to his Biſhopri [...]k of Ʋtreckt in Holland. He erected many Churches and Monaſteries through the Countrey. This Willebrord otherwiſe Clement liveth yet a Reverend Father

Chap. 13.

At the ſame time was wrought in Britany, a Miracle worthy of perpetuall rememberance, and not unlike to the ancient Miracles of An. 696. A miraculous viſion and converſion thence enſwing. times paſt. A certaine man in Northumberland, dead for a [Page] time, roſe againe to life, and told many things worthy the relating, of which we touch ſome few. I am, ſaith he, truly riſen again from the death, but henceforth my converſation muſt be far unlike my former life. Riſing up, he went to Church, and continued there Shaving of Monks. in prayer untill day. Then he divided all his goods into three parts, one he gave to his wife, another to his children, the third he gave in almes to the poor. Then he entred into the Monaſtery of Maitroſe, and being ſhaven he made his abode in a ſecret habitation, aſſigned him by the Abbot, where he lived, untill his dying day in ſuch auſterity of body, that, though his tongue had ſaid nothing, Note the beſt kinde of vvitneſs. yet his life ſpake that he had [Page] ſeen many terrible things. He related what he hath ſeen in this manner. The Countenance & apparel of my guide was ful of light, we came to one great broad valley of infinite length, all full of terrible fire, there was alſo another valley intolerable with hail and ſnow. Both places were full of ſouls toſſed, as with a whirlewind, out of one into the other. I began to think, that this was Hell, but my guide ſaid, Think not ſo: Then having mentioned all the reſt of the viſions, he relates, how his guide told him, That this valley, ſo full of horrible flames, and ſo bitterly cold, was the place where their Confeſſion. An eye witneſs of Purgatory. ſouls remain to be tried, who deferring the Confeſſion of their ſins and amendment, had recourſe to Pennance at the point of death: yet becauſe they made [Page] humble confeſſion of their ſins and repented, they ſhall all come Souls ſ [...]t [...]r [...]e before the day of Judgement, and by what means See this as a point of ſaith de [...]in [...]d in the beginning of the [...]. to Heaven at the day of Judgment. Many (quoth he) ſhall come to Heaven before the day of judgement, for the good Prayers, Alms, and Faſting of the living, and eſpecially by the holy Sacrifice of the Maſs. Onely they which are perfect in all their thoughts, words and deeds, are carried streight to Heaven. The effect of this viſion was the change of his life into ſtrange Auſterity. When any one ſaid unto him, brother Dirthelm, (for that was his name) It is a [...] a Sacrifice [...] for the [...]ad. wonder you can endure ſo much cold? He would anſwer, I have ſeen more cold endured than this: And when they ſaid, Tis a wonder you can endure Change of li [...]e into great auſterity for fear of to [...]ment [...]. ſuch auſterity? He anſwered, I have ſeen more rigorous [Page] ſufferings than this. This Chapter intermingleth in this Relation, how that hard by this mans Cell, there lived a [...]. Monk called Genigids, who was living at the very time that Bede did write this, leading a ſolitary life in Ireland, ſuſtaining his aged body with brown bread and cold water, who often entring into the How [...]ſſured Authority this [...] hath. foreſaid Monks Cell, heard him many times repeat this whole relation; and from him I came to the knowledge of it, ſaith Bede.

Chap. 14.

There was a Lay-man in great favour with King Coenred, but negligent concerning the ſtate of his ſoul: The King warn'd him often to confeſſe [Page] and forſake his former life, whileſt it was time. But he ſlighting the Kings admonition, ſaid, He would doe Pennance hereafter. It chanced he fell ſick, the King coming to him, exhorted him, that now Confeſſion. at leaſt he would do Pennance, nay, (quoth he) I will not now confeſſe my ſins, but when I am recovered I will: least my companions think I did it for fear of death. The King after a while, returning again, this Courtier told him, now it was too late, and that he had ſeen all that ever he had committed written in two Books, and that he ſhould strait wayes die and be carried into Hell. The first book (ſaid We are judged according to our works and not only faith. he) ſhewed me by an Angel contained all the good works, which ever I had done, but the book was very little. Then the wicked ſpirits [Page] brought before me, a book of a mighty bigneſs, in which I read all the ſins I had committed in thought, word and deed. Then he related, how he heard his Condemnation. Thus in deſpair he died. This I thought fit to relate, as I receiv'd it from the reverend Biſhop Pechtelm.

Chap. 15.

I my ſelf knew a Brother (whom I would I had not known,) who being admoniſht by his Brethern to amend his life, brought unto deſperation by a viſion he had of his place in Hell, ſaid, There is no time for me to amend my former life. Thus he died without receiving the Sacrament: None of all the Convent [Page] durſt ſay Maſs, ſing pſalms, ſay the leaſt Prayer for Maſſes and praiers uſed ſo [...] the dead. his ſoul. This ſtirred up many to do Pennance for their ſins, which effect God grant, it may work in thoſe who ſhall read this.

Chap. 16.

About this time, many of the Scots in Ireland, as alſo of the Britans, admitted of the manner of celebrating Eaſter, taught by the Catholike Church. For Adamon, a vertuous Prieſt, Abbot of the Monks, and Religious in the Iſle of Hue, ſeeing the canonicall Rites and Ceremonies of England; and admoniſht by the learned, not to live contrary to the Univerſal Church, neither in Eaſter, nor any other [Page] decrees, chang'd his mind, and preferr'd what he ſaw, in the We muſt not live contrary to the un [...]verſall Church. Engliſh before his own. He wrot a [...]ook of holy places, as he had been inform'd by Arculfe Biſhop, who [...] travelled to ſee them. Some [...]ede relates in the next Chapter.

Chap. 17.

Relates, Out of the foreſaid book of holy [...]laces, how over Ch [...]ches to our La [...]y in the Eaſt, Relikes honored there as wel as in the Weſt. the place where Chriſt was born, there is built a Church of the bleſſed Virgin; and how the in ward grot in which our Saviour was born, is covered with precious marble. C [...]nstantine built a Church, where the Croſſe of Chriſt was found by Helena. A Church alſo was The [...]e alſo Croſes lights. built in Golgotha, where the rock is ſeen, which bore Chriſts [Page] Croſſe and his bleſſed body. Now in that place, there is a mighty Croſs of ſilver with a brazen wheele over it, full of Lamps. An Altar is cut out where the Croſſe ſtood, where There Altars alſo, and ſacrifice▪upon them for the dead. Sacrifice is wont to be offered for honourable men that die. There is alſo a round Chappel of Chriſts Reſurrection, which There many Altars in one Church. hath three Altars. In the middle of this Chappel, is the Tombe of our Saviour, where There alſo lights burnt by day light. day and night twelve Lamps burn. The top of the Chappel is guilt, bearing a great golden Croſſe upon it. Part of Chriſts Croſſes. Graveſtone ſtandeth at the doore of the Sepulcher Altarwiſe: Altars of ſtone. the other part alſo makes another Altar▪

Chap. 18.

[Page]

The ſame Author relates, how in the place of our Saviours Altars. Aſcenſion on the top of Mount Olive; there ſtandeth A perpetuall Miracle▪ a great round Church. The inner Chappel having an Altar towards the Eaſt, could not be vaulted, nor covered over, by reaſon that it was the place by which Chriſts body paſſed to Heaven. In the middle of which Church the laſt print of Chriſts feet are to be ſeen, and although the earth be fetcht away daily by the Chriſtians, yet▪ it remaineth and keepeth the print of his holy feet. A great Lampe burneth there day and Reliques. Lights burning day and night at holy places. night. In the Weſt-ſide be eight windows, and as many [Page] Lamps, ſhining through the glaſſe to Jeruſalem, and their lights ſtir up the Hearts of all that behold them: Upon Chriſts Aſcenſion-day every year, when Maſſe is done, there cometh from Heaven a gale of winde, which maketh all in the Church proſtrate themſelves.

Chap. 19.

In the year of our Lord, This Hedda was B [...]ſhop of Wincheſter in Hampſhire. 705. Hedda Biſhop of the West-Saxons dyed, of whom the Reverend Prelate Pechthelm (then a Monk) was wont to tell us, that in the place, where be dyed, many great Miracles and cures were done, and that they uſed commonly to carry away duſt from thence, and mingle it [Page] with water, for ſuch to drink as were ſick, and that the Miracles Relikes. ſprinkling & drinking thereof, did cure many ſick: ſo that a great pit was made by the often carrying away the duſt.

Chap. 20.

Coenred, King of the Our Kings become Pilgrims and ſhaven Monks. Mercians, having Reigned moſt Nobly, at laſt forſook his Kingdome and went to Rome, where at the Tombe of the Apoſtles, receiving the Tonſure, he became a Monk, continuing in Prayer, Faſting and Almes, untill his death. There went with him Offa, the Son of Sigher King of the East-Saxons, a moſt gallant youth, whoſe whole Kingdome much deſired that he would ſway the [Page] Scepter, but he moved with like devotion, forſooke Wife, Good works for hope of reward. Lands, Kindred, and Countrey, that he might receive a hundred fold in this world, Habit of Monks diſtinct. and life everlaſting in the next: coming to the Holy places at Rome, he took the Tonſure and Habit of a Monk, the ſame year Wilfrid, that excellent and worthy Prelate dyed and was buried in St. Peters Church at Rippon in Yorkſhire: He being but fourteen years old, he eſteemed more a Monaſticall and Solitary life, than all worldly wealth▪ After ſome years ſpent in a Monaſtery, he made a Voyage to Rome, to ſee what rights and ceremonies were obſerved there, as well of Seculars as Religious. He told the Queen the deſire he had to viſit the [Page] Monuments of the Holy Apoſtles which ſhe approved: At Rome he became acquainted with a Holy & learned Arch-deacon called Boniface, one of the Apoſtolike Popes Councellors, by whoſe inſtructions he learnt the foure Books of the Goſpell and Eaſter, and many other things concerning the diſcipline of the Church, which he could not attaine to in his Country. Returning into England, he was favoured by King Alfrid, who had learned to follow in all things the Catholike Rules of the Church. This King finding Wilfrid Catholick, gave him Stamford and Rippon (which the Scots had before) to build Abbeies. He was made Prieſt, and followed the the Kings Court as Preacher, [Page] and not long after, was made Biſhop by Agilbert Biſhop of Paris. In King Egfrids raigne he was deprived of his Biſhoprick of Yorke, and another ordeyned in his place. Wilfrid going to Rome to plead his cauſe before the Apoſtolike Pope, was driven into Frizland, where he preacht unto them Chriſt. And where many thouſands being cōverted and baptized: by him, he was the firſt began this Evangelicall work, which the moſt Reverend Biſhop, Willebrord afterwards finiſhed. Wilfrid Holy Wi [...]f [...]id appealeth from England to the Pope. having paſt the VVinter with his new Converts, reaſſumed his journey to Rome, where his cauſe was debated in preſence of Pope Agatho & many Biſhops. He was found by all their judgments to be without [Page] any fault, and worthy of the Biſhoprick. The Pope gathered His appeale admitted to the Pope. a Sinod at Rome of 125, Biſhops againſt thoſe who held but one will and operation in Chriſt. Wilfrid ſate among them where he was to declare his Faith, and the Faith of his Countrey, which was found to be Catholick. This was thus regiſtred in the Acts. Wilfrid the vertuous Biſhop of Yorke appealing to the See Apoſtolike His appeale and Abſolution ratified in a Councel. for his cauſe, and by that Authority abſolved and placed in Judgement Seat in the ſynod together with 125. other Biſhops hath declared for all the Northerne parts of Britany, the true and Catholike Faith confirming the ſame with ſubſcription. This ſemence is obeyed in England. Wilfrid at his returne converted the South-Saxons, and in the ſecond year of [Page] King Aldefrid was reſtored to his Biſhoprick. After five He appeals again and his accuſers plead before the Pope as their lawfull Judge. years being again turned out, he followed his appeale at Rome, and his accuſers being preſent, he again was acquitted. Returning through France, he fell ſick to death, and told Acca how in that ſickneſſe one appeared to him in a white habit, telling him that he was St Michael, who ſaid to him; I am ſent by God A prophetical viſion. to recall thee from death: For our Lord hath given thee life by the interceſſion of our Lady, Mother of God, but remaine prepared, for after foure years I will The interceſſion of the Mother of God moſt effectuall. come again to viſite thee. Thou ſhalt be reſtored to the greatest part of thy poſſeſſions, and end thy life in peace. Recovering he came into England, where King Aldefrid refuſing to reſtore [Page] him, ſhortly dyeth. Then a Synod is called, & by the votes The ſenten [...] given by the Pope obeyed in an Engliſh Synod. of all he is reeſtabliſht. After four years of Peace he died in a Monaſtery of Abbot Cudbalds, but entered in his own Altars. Monaſtery at Rippon in the Bleſſed Apoſtle St. Peters Church by the Altar.

Theſe Verſes are in his Epitaph.

Wilfrid, that worthy Prelate

Lyeth buried in this grave,

Who mov'd with Godly Zeale,

To Chriſt this Temple gave.

And of the Apoſtle Peters name,

St. Peters Church did call▪ Christ gave,

To whom the Keyes of Heaven

Cheif Governour of all.

He guilded it with finest gold,

The Power of the Keyes given to St. Peter

With Scarlet hung it round

[Page] And ſet up there a Crucifix,

Of Gold, even from the ground.

Croſſes of Gold

Chap. 21.

Acca ſucceeded Wilfrid in Churches dedicated to Saints the Biſhoprick of York, a man for his courage and gallant deeds, gracious in the ſight of God and Man. He enlarged the Church dedicated to St. Andrew, and adorned it with many exquiſite works. He did both then, and doth at this very day, endeavour to gather together the Holy Apoſtles and Martyrs Reliques, that Altars, Reliques. he may in their honor build Altars. He provided Holy Veſſels, lights and other neceſſaries appertaining to the better adorning the Church of God

Chap. 22.

[Page]

Naitan, King of the Picts, abandoning the Errours which he and his. Country had long kept, touching Eaſter, brought them all to the Catholike obſervation, The cuſtoms of Rome pref [...]rred. which that he might effect, he required aide of the Engliſh, whom he knew to have fram'd their Religion according to the Church of Rome and See Apostolike. He ſent Embaſſadors to that end to Reverend Abbot Ceolfrid of the Monaſtery of St. Peter and Paul. He requeſted further to be inſtructed what manner The cuſtome of the Clergy on ſhaving their Crown [...] ▪ of Tonſure the Clergy then ſhould uſe. He deſired to have ſome cunning workmen ſent him to build a Church after the manner of Rome, promiſing [Page] to dedicate it in the honor of St. Peter Prince of the Apoſtles, and to follow ever Peter ſtill underſtood by the Prince of the Apoſtles. more the order and faith of the Church of Rome and See Apoſtolike.

In Ceolfrids letter to the King, be theſe words.

We exhort you moſt humbly to take care that your The ſha [...]ing of the Crowne uſed by the Clergy in honour of the Crowne of Thornes. Clergy may beare the ſame Tonſure which the Church doth receive. For as all congregations of the faithfull are accuſtomed to carry the ſigne of the Croſſe in the forehead, that by the power thereof they may be defended from the aſſaults of the Devil; and by often remembrance of it be inſtructed; ſo it behoveth them who being made by vow [Page] Monks, or by profeſſion of the Clergy, binde themſelves The ſigne of the Croſſe. more ſtrictly with the bridle of continencie, to beare on the Head, by ſhaving, the ſhape of a Crown as our Saviour did, Vowed Monks a Crowne of Thornes, at his Paſſion, as well to expreſs their ready minde to ſuffer mockeries for Chriſt, as ſtrengthen their hope for a Crowne of glory. In the ſame letter he Relateth what, concerning this point, he ſaid to the Scotiſh Abbot Adaman, I ſaid (quoth he) Brother if you ſeek the fellowſhip of St. Peter, why do you follow the manner of ſhaving which he uſed, whom St. Peter did excommunicate, and why rather ſhew you not that you deſire with your heart his character, with whom you deſire to live in bliſſe: If you deſire to follow [Page] his ſteps and counſell whom you took to have as a Patron with God the Father, then he commands thus. It beſeemeth Patronage of St Peter. you, moſt puiſſant Prince to obſerve all that agreeth with the unity of Chriſts Catholick and Apoſtolick Church. So it will come to paſſe that Prince of the Apoſtles ſtill ſignifies St. Peter. the Prince of the Apoſtles will open to you and yours the gates of Heaven. By this adviſe in ſhort time, this Prince with all his dominions, was brought to the true obſervation of Easter, all the Miniſters of the Altar and Monks had their heads ſhaven round in forme of a Crowne, and the whole Nation being reformed did rejoyce to ſee themſelves diſciples of the moſt bleſſed Again ſtiled Prince of the Apoſtles. Prince of the Apoſtles Peter, & committed to his protection and patronage

Chap 23.

[Page]

Relates, How the reſt of the Scots admitted the Apoſtolike manner of keeping Faster, and ſhaving their Crownes by the means of Egbert a worthy Bede. Prieſt. Onely the Britanes (ſaith Bede) remain ſtill hardned in blindneſs, whereas all Engliſh-men are in all points throughly inſtructed in the Rule of the Catholick Faith. Egbert on Eaſter day after he England in all points Catholick An. 716. had ſaid ſolemne Maſſe in remembrance of our Lords Reſurrection, departed this life: Saying of ſolemne Maſſe The Brethern rejoycing to ſee their Maſter paſſe to God to be their Patron and Interceſſor.

Chap. 24.

[Page]

Relates, Who were the Biſhops at this time through all Saints our patrons and Interceſſors. England; and how, all things now being brought to unity, many, as well Noble, as Private, laying aſide their Armes, earneſtly ſtrove to get both themſelves and their Children to be ſhaven, and tied with Monasticall Vowes, rather than to exerciſe themſelves in warlike In what eſteem Religious life was at the writing of theſe. affaires. This is at the preſent the ſtate of Britany this year of our Lord, 731.

[Page]

The end of the Hiſtory of the Church of England.

The words of venerable Bede in the 3 Tome of his works.

THus much touching the Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory of the Britans, eſpecially of the Engliſh nation, as I could learn by the writings of my Anceſtors, by tradition of my elders, or my own knowledge I Bede, the ſervant of God, and Prieſt of the Monaſtery of the BB. Apoſtles Peter and Paul at Wyre-mouth, have brought to an end. When I was ſeven years old I was delivered by the hands of my friends to be brought up of the Rd. Abbot Benedic [...], and afterward to C [...]lfrid. In which [Page] Monaſtery ſpending all the dayes of my life I applyed my whole ſtudy to the meditation of holy Scripture, obſerveing regular diſcipline, and dayly ſinging ſervice in the Church. In the 19 year of my age I was made Deacon, and at 30 Prieſt; which orders I received by the hands of the Rd. Biſhop Of this John ſee B. 5. c. 2. John of Beverley.

§

DEar Reader I doubt not but in peruſing of this book many thoughts will ariſe in thy mind touching the author thereof, the authority of the copy, and the ſincerity of our true dealing therin; now then is the proper time to read again the preface where I am confident thou wilt find full ſatisfaction in all.

FINIS.

Faults eſcaped.

[Page]

IN the Preface, page 1. line ult. dele s in diſputants. Leaf 3 l. 1. dele it 1

Page 26. line 13. for legs read leg. page 36. l. 15. for were r. was. p. 5 [...]. l. 3. for Angels r. Angles p. 53. l. 13. for them r. him p. 58. l. 17. in the margent for 904 r. 604. p. 81. l. 2 for redwals r. redwal. p. 81. l. 20. for buli r. built. p, 116. l. 10. for plat r. plot p. 132. in the margent ſuperogation r. ſupererogation p 135. l. 2. for pecaple r. peaceable p, 136. read Reliques gift for Kings p. 150. l. 12. for berring r. Berking p. 151. in the margent r. habitation ſeperate from men. p. 153. in the margent r. conſecrated p. 154, l. 5. for ediburge r. edilburge. p. 155. l. 5. for ſiſter r. ſiſters. P. 161. l. 3 for ſalvation r. ſplendor. p. 167. l. 12. for celeſtial r. clerical p. 167. l. 18. for by the boy r. of the Boy. Entichus r. Eutichus. p. 137. l. r. hitherto p 192. l. 9. dele punctum at prophetick p. 193. l. 1 for flock r. flockt. p. p. 197. l. 20. for rejoyce r. rejoyced p. 123. l. 12. r. lyeth for dyeth. the marginal note p. 240. ſaints our patrons and interceſſours muſt be placed at the end of the cap. 23. p. 239.

Information about this book

Title statement

Englands old religion faithfully gathered out of the history of the Church of England, as it was written by Venerable Bede, almost a thousand years agoe (that is) in the year 698 after the passion of our Saviour : Bede saith he ended this history in the year 731 after the incarnation : we have not altered any part of this Fathers own words in any point concerning faith : only here and there is omitted what belongeth not to that purpose / by H.B.Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum. English. Selections

Bede, the Venerable, Saint, 673-735.

Edition statement

1658

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2009-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A69547

ID [STC]

Wing B1659

ID [STC]

ESTC R8695

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12328110

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12328110

ID [VID]

59591

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A69547)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 59591)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 202:6 or 741:9)

Source

— Englands old religion faithfully gathered out of the history of the Church of England, as it was written by Venerable Bede, almost a thousand years agoe (that is) in the year 698 after the passion of our Saviour : Bede saith he ended this history in the year 731 after the incarnation : we have not altered any part of this Fathers own words in any point concerning faith : only here and there is omitted what belongeth not to that purpose / by H.B., Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum. English. Selections, Bede, the Venerable, Saint, 673-735., Beaumont, Henry, 1611 or 12-1673..

Extent

[31], 242, [1] p.

[s.n.],. At Antwerp :: 1658.. (H.B. is Henry Harcourt, alias Beaumont, S.J. Cf. BM.) (Translation of: Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum.) (Errata on p. [1] at end.) (Marginal notes.) (Imperfect: copy on reel 741:9 lacking 3 p. at end.) (Reproduction of original in British Library and Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.) (Entry for H694 cancelled in Wing (2nd ed.).)

Creation

Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford.

Editorial practices

EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO.

EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org).

The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source.

Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data.

Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so.

Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor.

The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines.

Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements).

Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site.