Christs Victory over Satans Tyranny, Book 12 · Part 47
THE ACTS THAT HAPPENED in the flourishing Raigne of Queene ELIZABETH.
HAUING by the power of Almightie God truely displayed the cruell practises of Queene Maries Raigne: now orderly comming to the flourishing and long wished for Raigne of the most vertuous, and religious Queene Elizabeth, who can number the singular ornaments and noble graces, giuen of God vntounto this so princely a Lady, and puisant Princesse: the mildnes of her Nature, the clemencie of her Royall estate, the peaceablenes of her Raigne: who a Uirgine so mildely ruled her subiects, kept all things in order, quieted forraine Nations, recouered townes, inlarged her Kingdome, nourisheth and reconcileth amitie, vniteth hearts, and louelove with forraine enemies, helpeth neighbours, reformed Religion, quenched persecution: Shee was feared with louelove, and loued with feare: how can we but giuegive vertue her commendations, which in all persons as Plato saith, stirreth vp great louelove, but especially in a Prince▪ and what cause hauehave all wee Englishmen to render most ample thankes to the mercifulnes of God, who hath granted, conserued, and aduanced vntounto the Seate Regall of this Realme: so good godly and vertuous a Queene: such a chosen instrument of his clemencie, through whom wee cannot deny, but that God hath made amends, and recompence now vntounto England, for the cruell dayes that were before, for as then moderation had no place, but all was ruled by rigour: Contrary now clemencie hath all the operation, as then was no end of butcherly killing: now is no b…ginning of spilling any drop of bloud: She came in like a mother, not like a st…pdame, like a Lambe, not li…e a Lyon.
First i… begin with her princely birth be…ing borne at Greenewich, Ann… 1534. of the victorious Prince King Henry the eight, and of the Noble and most vertuous Lady Queene Anne her mother▪ She… was Christened in the Gray-Friers Church of Greenewich, hauing vntounto her Godfather Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury: after shee was committed vntounto godly Tutors, vnderunder whose institution, her Grace did so greatly increase in vertue, and knowledge of learning, so that she vnderstood all tongues, and spake all languages: she was well learned in the liberall arts and sciences, and her noble brest was gernished, with all vertue, councell and wisedome, that none of her Councell could goe beyond her maiestie: it is wonderfull in eueryevery mans conscience, to behold in that age, that s…xe, in such state and fortune, in so great occasions, so many entisements, in all these to refaine so sober conuersation, so temperate condition, such mildnes of manners, such humblenesse of stomack, such clemencie in forgiuing, such trauelling in studie. Tully saith, a good man in other places is no matter, but in Asia to keepe a sober, and temperate life, that is indéed a matter praise worthy: But shee in th… middest of Asia, did so much degenerate from all Asia, as hath not lightly been in Europa.
Her first schoolemaister, reported of her to a friend of his, that he learned eueryevery day more of her, then she of him, which hee expounded thus: I teach her words (quoth he) and she teacheth me things: I teach her tongue to speake, and her modest and maidenly life teacheth me to doe, for I think she is the best disposed of any in Europe, and an Italian that was her teacher, said he found in her t…o qualities, which are neuer lightly y…ke-fellowes in one woman, which are a singular wit, and a maruellous meeke stomack.
But none of her princely qualities are more worthy of commendations, th… her Christian patience, shewed in her afflictions, and her incredible clemencie declared towards her enemies: for though she was such a high Princes, and a Kings Daughter and a Queenes Sis…er, and heyre apparant vntounto the Crowne, could she not escape without the …rosse: Yea her troubles were far aboue the condition of a Kings Daughter: for there was no more behinds to make a very Iphigenia of her, but her offring vp vponupon the Altar of the Scaffold,
It was no small iniury that shee suffered in the Lord Protectors dayes by certaine venemous vipers: And after the death of King Edward, the Councell sought to defeate both her and her Sister from the naturall inheritance and right of the Crowne.
And in the daies of Queene Mary, into what trouble of minde, and feare of death was she brought vntounto. First with …ands of ha…nished men to bee fetched vp as a great Traytor, and clapped into the Tower, and to bee t…ssed from thence from prison to prison, from post to piller: at length also she was prisoner i… her owne house, garded with a sort of cut-throates, which euer gaped for the spoil… of her.
In the beginning of Quéene Maries Raigne, the Lady Elizabeth, and the Lord Courtenay were charged with false suspition of Sir Thomas Wiats rising, and the Lady Elizabeth being at her house at Ashredge, Quéene Mary sent her two Lords, and Sir Iohn Williams, afterward Lord Tame, with their retinue and troupes of horsemen, to the number of two hundred and fifty, who found her sore sick in her bed and very feeble and weake of body: and at ten of the clock at night they rushed into her Chamber without leaue: whereat her Grace beeing not a little amazed, She said, my Lords is your hast such that it might not hauehave pleased you to hauehave come to morrow in the morning: They answered, that they came from the Queene for her, and that she must be at London the seuenth day of that month: she answered, that no Creature was more glad then shee to come vntounto her Maiesty, and that she was sorry she was not able to goe with them; they answered, That their Commission was such, that we must needs bring you with v…liue or dead. In conclusion, they willed her to prepare against the morning at nine of the clocke to goe with them, and on the next day morrow at the time prescribed, they had her forth as she was, very faint and féeble, and in such case, that she was ready to sound thrée or foure times betweene them. From Ashridge all sicke in the Litter, she came vntounto Redborne, where shee was garded all night: from thence to Saint Albons, to Sir Raphe Rowlets house, where she tarri…d all night both feeble in body, and comfortlesse in minde: from thence shee came to Maister Dodds house at Mimmes, where also they remained all night, and from thence to Highgate, where she being very sicke, tarried all night and next day. During which time of her abode, there came many Purseuants and Messengers from the Court vntounto the Lords, but about what I cannot tell: from thence shee was conuayed vntounto the Co…rt, where she was straitwaies shut vp, and kept as close prisoner a fortnight.
The Friday before Palmesunday, the Bishop of Winchester with nineteene others of the Priuy Councell came vntounto her Grace, and b…rdened her with Wiats Conspiracy, which she v…terly deni…d: then they charged her with the busines made by Sir Peter Carew, and the rest of the Gentlemen of the West country, which also shee vtterly denied: Then they told her that it was the Queenes pleasure that shee should goe vntounto the Tower, vntill the mat…r were further tryed: Then shee desired them to bee a meane vntounto the Quee…e that shee would be gracious vntounto her: declaring that sheee was innocent in all the matters wherein they had burdened her, and that shee was a true woman vntounto to the Queene, in thought, word, and deede: that shee might not be committed vntounto so notorious and dolefull a place: The Lords answered, that there was no remedy, for the Queene was determined that she should goe vn…o the Tower, wherewith the Lords departed, with their hats hanging ouer their eyes, but about an houre after, foure of the aforesaid Lords of the Councell with the Guard, who warding the next chamber vntounto her, secluded all her Gentlemen, Yeomen, Ladies, and Gentlewomen, & one Gentleman Usher, thrée Gentlewomen, and two Groomes of her Chamber, were appointed in their roomes by the Quéene to giuegive attendance vponupon her that none should hauehave accesse vntounto her.
At which time there was 100. of Northen souldiers in white coats, watching abo…t the Gardens all night, and two Lords with their bands & companies watched in the hall: The next day two Lords of the Councell, certified her Grace that forthwith she must goe vntounto the Tower: the Barge being prepared for her, & the tyde now readie, which tarrieth for no body, but she got leaue of the Earle of Sussex, which was one of the two, to tarrie till day to write to the Q. and he promised to deliuer it, contrary to the will of the other: the next day, being Palm-sonday, about nine of the clock, she took her Barge, with the said two Lords, houering vponupon the water an boure, because they could not shoot the Bridge, & when they did shoot the bridge, the st…rn of the … strook vponupon the ground the fall was so bigge & the water so shallow: then her Grace desired the Lords that she might not land at the staires where al traytors & offendors vse to land, whi…h they would not grant; then she protested that here steppeth as true a subiect as euer was towards the Queens highnesse; and before thee, O God, I speak it, hauing none other friends but only thee: when she came into the Tower she rested her selfe vponupon a colde stone, the Lieutenant said, Madam, you were best come out of the raine, for you sit vnwholsomly: she answered it was better to sit there then in a worse place, for God knoweth I know not whether you will bring me, then her Gentleman Usher wept, and she asked him what his meaning was in that be vsed her so vncomfortably? so she went into the prison and the doores were locked and boulted vponupon her: then she called to her Gentleman for her booke, desiring God in no wise to suffer her to build her foundation vponupon the sands, but vponupon the rocke, whereby all blasts of blustering windes should not hurt her: the Lords consulting about her straight keeping, the Lord of Sussex said, My Lords, let vsus take héed that we doe no more then our Commission will warrant vsus, whatsoeuer shall or may happen hereafter; for shee was the King our Masters daughter, whereunto they all agreed and departed.
It would make a strange storie to recite what examinations and rackings of poore men there were to finde out that knife which should cut her throate: what gaping amongst the Lords of the Clergie, to see the day wherein they might wash their white Rochets in her innocent bloud, but most especially Steuen Gardner Bishop of Winchester then Lord Chancellor, and then rul…r and gouernour of the rost, who within few dayes after came vntounto her, with diuers of the Councell, and very strictly examined her about a purpose that she had to remoue to her house at Donnington Castle, and likewise they examined Sir Iames Acroft about the same matter: She answered, what is that to the purpose, my Lords, but that I may go vntounto mine owne houses at all times? but my Lords, you doe examine eueryevery meane prisoner concerning mee, wherein you doe me excéeding great iniurie: I beseech you ioyne not me in this sort with any of these offendors. When they were departing Sir Iames Acroft kn…eled downe, and said, hee was sorie to bee brought as a witnes against her Grace, and that hee had beene meru…i…ously tossed and examined touching her Highnes, but I take GOD to record before whom I stand in your honours sight, I know not any thing of that crime that you hauehave laide vntounto my charge, and will take my death thereon if I be driuen to so strait a tryall.
When her officers had prouided her diet, and brought it to the vtter gate of the Tower, the common rascall souldiours receiued it. Wherefore they complained vntounto the Lord Chamberlain Constable of the Tower, and desired that her dyet might be brought in by them, which were apppointed therevnto: Hee answered, I assure you for that she is a prisoner, shee shall be serued with the Lieutenants men, as other …he prisoners are: and they seeming to be offended at this answere: Hee sware that if they did either frowne or shrug at him, he would set them where they should neither see Sunne nor Moone; but after they obtained their request of the Councell with much adoe: Then he would hauehave had his seruants to hauehave serued with them, and he would hauehave had his meate rosted with her Graces meat, & that his Cooke should come thither to dresse it: Her Graces Cooke would suffer no st…anger to come about her dyet, but her own sworne men, neither would they suffer any strangers to come into any other of their offices.
When she had lien a month in close prison, and was ill at ease, she requested the Lord Chamberlaine and the Lord Shandoys to hauehave liberty to walk in some place: they said they durst not grau…t it, because they had commaundement to the contrary: but the next day the Lord Sandoys obtained of the Councell, but with very much adoe, that she might walke in the Queenes lodging, in the presence of the Lord Chamberlaine and the Lord Shandoys, the Windows being shut, wherewith she contented her selfe, and thanked him. Afterward she had libertie for to walke in a little Garden, and the Doores and Gates being close shut: during which time there vsed a mans Childe in the Tower many times to bring her Grace Flowers, but certaine suspitious heads thinking to make some great matter thereof, called the Childe, promising him Figges and Apples▪ asked him when he was with the Earle of Deuonshire, he answered he would goe by and by thither: then they asked him when he was with the Lady Elizabeth, he answered eueryevery day: then they asked him what the Lord of Deuonshire sent by him vntounto her Grace, he said; I will go know what he will giuegive me to cary her. This is a crafty boy (quoth the L. Chamberlain) I pray you (quoth the boy) giuegive me the figs you promised me: no (quoth he) thou shalt be whipped if thou come any more vntounto the Lady Elizabeth, or the Lord Courney, and the childs Father was commanded to suffer the Boy to come no more vntounto their chambers: the next day, as her Grace walked in the Garden, the Child péeping in at a little hole, cryed vntounto her, Mistris, I can bring you no more Flowers; whereat she smiled, perceiuing how the matter went.
The sixtéenth day of May she was remooued from the tower, where Sir Henrie Benifield being appointed her Iayler, did receiue her with a company of Rake…s to guard her, besi…es the Lord of Darbies Band: to whom the Lord of Tame was ioyned in Commission: the first day they conducted her to Richmond, where she was s…cl…ded from her Seruants, and Souldiers were appointed in their roomes to giuegive attendance vponupon her person, whereby shee was in dispaire of her life, and desired her Gentleman Usher and the rest of his company, to pray for her.
Then the Gen…leman Usher desired the Lord of Tame, to tell him if there were any danger meant toward his Mistris this night, saying; certainely I and my fellowes will rather dye, then she should secretly miscarry: the Lord of Tame answered, rather then it should be so, I and my men are ready to die at her foote also. The next day shee was carried to Windsor, and by the way she saw certaine of her men, then she bad one goe to them, and say these wordes; Tanquam Ouis, She lay that night in the Deane of Windsors house: The next night shee was brought to Maister Dormers house, where many people presented vntounto her gifts. Wherefore Sir Henry troubled the poore people very sore for shewing their kindnes vntounto her, calling them R…bels and Traytors: as shee passed the villages the townes-men▪ rang the Bels for Ioy: Sir Henry sent his Souldiers, and put some of the …gers into the stocks, and otherwise misused othersome the next night they came to the Lord of Tames house, where she was princely intreated of Noble men, Ladies, Gentlemen and Gentlewomen. Sir Henry told them that they could not tell what they did, and they were not able to answere their doings. The Lord of Tame said hee was well aduised of his dooings, and that her Grace might or should be merry at his house. Then Sir Henry (whereas there was appointed for her Grace, a Chayre, two Cushions, and a foote Carpet very Prince-like) wherein presumptuo…s…y hee sate whilst his Bootes were plucked off: Wherefore the Ladies and Gentlewomen did laugh him to scorne: The next day she was brought to Woodstock, where she was inclosed as in the Tower, threescore souldiers eueryevery day warding within the walles and without, and fortie eueryevery night without the walles during the time of her imprisonment there, when she went into the Garden to walke, shee had fiue or six lockes locked vponupon her, betwixt her lodging, and her walkes. Sir Henry himselfe keeping the keyes: Wherevpon shee called him her Goaler: He desired her not to call him so, but her Officer: from such Officers, quoth she, good Lord deliuer me.
At the last, by earnes… suite she was permitted to write vntounto the Queene, so that Sir Henry did stand by whilest shee wrote (which hee straightly obserued:) when she was wearie he would carrie away the Letters, and bring them againe when she called for them: he would hauehave been the messenger to cartie the Letters, but she would not giuegive him leaue, but said one of her owne men should carry them: he said …e …rowed none of them durst be so …olde: yes (quoth shee) I hauehave none so dishonest, but w…ll as willingly serue me n…w as before, but he would not permit her Letters to be carried foure or fiue dayes after the writing therof, but in fine, he sent for her Gentl…man, demanding whether he durst enterprise the carrying of the Letters to the Queen: he answered yes that he durst and would, whereupon Sir Henrie halfe against his stomack, gaue them him.
Doctor Owen and Doctor Wendi…e were sent for by the Queens Grace, for that she was sickly, who ministred vntounto her and let her bloud, tarrying with her 5. or 6. daies: they reported to the Q. and Councell of her Graces behauior and humblenes towards the Q. which her Maiestie took very thankfully, but the Bishops rep…ned, and told the Quéen that they maruelled that she submitted not her selfe vntounto her Maiesties merciemercy.
About this time her grace was requested by a secret friend to submit her selfe vntounto the Quéen, which would be to her great commoditie: she answered, she would not submit her selfe vntounto them which she had not offended: if I hauehave offended, I craue no mercy but law: I would I were as cléere out of the perrill of mine e…emies, as I know my selfe out of the danger of the law.
About this time there was great consulting amongst the Bishops and Gentlemen touching a marriage for her Grace, which some of the Spaniards wished to be, with some stranger that she might goe out of the Realme with her portion: then a Lord said, that the King should neuer hauehave quiet Common-wealth in England, except her head were striken from her shoulders: the Spaniards answered, God forbid that their King and Master should consent to such a mischiefe. From that day the Spaniards neuer left good perswasions vntounto the King, that he should neuer obtaine the like honour as he should in deliuering the Lady Elizabeth out of prison, whereby at length she was happily released of the same.
Shortly after she was sent for to Hampton Court, Sir Henry Benifield and his souldiers, with the Lord of Tame, and Sir Ralph Chamberlaine guarding of her: the first night she came to Ricot, the next to M. Dormers, house and so to Colbrook, where she lay at the George all night: as she came thither, thréescore of her Gentlemen and Yeomen met her, which had not séene her Grace a long season before: but they were commanded in the Quéens name to depart the towne, and shée was not suffred to speak with them: that night al her men were taken from her but her Gentleman vsher, thrée Gentlewomen, and two Grooms, & one of her Wardrop: the next day her Grace entred Hampton Court, where she lay a fortnightere euer any had recourse vntounto her; at length came the Lord William Howard to …er, who vsed her Grace maruellous hanourably: she requested him to be a meane that shée might speak with some of the Councell. Not long after came to her Gardner Bishop of Winchester, the Lord Arundel, the Lord of Shrewsbury, and Secretary Peter, who with great humility humbled themselues vntounto her Grace. My Lords, quoth she, I am glad to sée you; for me thinks I hauehave bin kept a great while from you desolatly alone, wherefore I would desire you to be a meane to the King and Quéens Maiesties, that I may be deliuered from prison, wherein I hauehave bin kept a long space.
Then Gardner knéeled down, and requested her to submit her selfe to the Quéen, and then he doubted not but her Maiestie would be good vntounto her: she answerd, rather then she would do so she would lie in prison all the dayes of her life, adding, that she craued no mercy but the law, if euer she did offend her Maiesty in thought, word or déed; and in yeelding I should confesse my selfe to be an offendor, which I neuer was towards her Maiesty, by occasion wherof the King and Quéen might euer hereafter conceiue an ill opinion, therefore it were better for me to lie in prison for the tr…th, then to be abroad and suspected of my Prince. So they departed, promising to declare her message to the Qué…n.
The next day Gardner came again vntounto her Grace, and knéeling down, declared that the Quéen maruailed that she would so stoutly vse her selfe▪ not confessing …o hauehave offended, so that it should séeme the Quéens Maiesty wrongfully to hauehave imprisoned her Grace: Nay, quoth she, the Quéen may punish me as it pleas…th her: Nay, quoth Gardner, her Maiesty willed me to certifie you, that you must tell her another tale ere that you be at liberty: her Grace answered, that she had as liue be in prison with honesty and truth, as to be abroad suspected of h…r Maiesty: this I will stand vntounto, for I will neuer bely my selfe. Then he knéeled down, and said, then your Grace hath aduantage of me and other the Lords for your long imprisonment: I take God to record, quoth she, I séeke no vantage at your hands for your so dealing with me: then the other kneeled downe, and desired her Grac… that all might be forgotten, and so they departed. A seuen-night after the Queen… sent for her at ten of the clocke at night: then she desired her Gentlemen and Gentlewomen to pray for her, for that she co…ld not tell whether she should euer se… them againe. When she came vntounto the Que…ne she kneeled downe and desired God to preserue her Maiestie, not in any wise doubting but that she should proue her selfe as true and faithfull a subiect towards her Maiestie as euer did any, and therefore she desired her Maiestie so to iudge of her, and said she should not …nd other of her, whatsoeuer report had gone of her: the Queen answered, you will not confesse your offence, b…t stand stoatly in your truth, I pray God it may so fall out. It it do not, quoth she, I desire no fauour nor pardon at your Maiesties hands. Wel (said the Queene) you stiffely still perse…ere in the truth, belike you will not confesse but that you hauehave b…ene wrongfully punished. I must not say so (if it please your Grace) to you; why then, said the Queene, belike you will vntounto others: no, quoth she, I hauehave borne the burden, and must beare it: I humbly beseech your Maiestie to hauehave a good opinion of me, and to thinke me to be your true subiect, not only hitherto, but as long as life lasteth, and so they parted with a few comfortable words in English, but what she said in Spanish God knoweth. It is thought that King Philip was there behinde a cloth, and not seene, and that he shewed himself… a very friend vntounto that matter. Thus her Grace went vntounto her lodging againe, a…d the seuen-night after she was released of Sir Henry Benifield, and was set at libertie from imprisonment: she went into the Countrey, and had appointed to goe with her. Sir Thomas Pope one of the Queens Councellors, & M. Gage one of her Gentlemen Ushers. And thus straightly was she looked vntounto all the time of Q. Maries raigne.
Then there came vntounto her house Maister Ierningham, and Norris Gentleman Usher, Quéene Maries Men, who tooke from her Grace Mistris Ashly to the Fléet▪ and thrée other of her Gentlewomen vntounto the Tower, which was no little trouble vntounto her Grace; saying, That shee thought that they would fetch all away in the end: but God be praysed shortly after was fetched away Gardiner, whereby the life of this so excellent a Princesse, the wealth of all England was preserued: for the said wicked Gardner had long laboured his wits, and bent all his deuises, to bring this our deere Souera…gne out of the way, as by his words and doings did well appeare. After the death of this Gardner, followed the death also and dropping away of other her enemies: whereby by little and little her i…opardy decreased, and more gentle entertainmant did daily grow vntounto her, vntill in the monethmonth of Nouember, the seauenteenth day. Three yeares after the death of Stephen Gardner, followed the death of Quéene Mary, as is before declared, the same day Queene Elizabeth was proclaimed Queene, with as many glad hearts of her subiects, as euer was any King or Queene in this Realme. The next day after the death of Queene Mary, Cardinall Poole died: and shortly after Christopher Bishop of Chichester, and Hopton Bishop of Norwich died, and Doctor Weston, which was the cheefe Disputer against Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer. First, fell into displeasure with the Cardinall, and other Bishops, because he would not depart from his Deanerie of Westminster vntounto the Monks: being remoued from thence, he was made Deane of Windsor, where being apprehended in aduoutry, was by the sa…d Cardinall put from all his spirituall liuings: wherefore he appealed vntounto Rome, and flying out of the Realme he was taken by the way and clapt into the Tower, where he remained vntill Queene Elizabeth was proclaimed, then being deliuered, he fell sick and died.
The fifteenth day of Ianuary Queene Elizabeth was crowned with triumphant and honourable entertainment of the Citie of London, with such celebritie, pra…ers, wishes, welcommings, cryes, tender words, Pageants, Interl…des, decl…mations and verses set vp, as the like hath not been seene: arguing a wonderfull affection of louing hearts towards their Soueraigne, and many Letters gratulatory were sent vntounto her Maiestie, from sundry forraine places▪ as from Zuricke, Geneua, Basil, Berne, Wertenberge, Argentine, Franckfort, &c.
It pleased the Queens most excellent Maiesty to hauehave a conuenient chosen number of the best learned of either part, to conferre together their opinions and reasons, and thereby to come to some good and charitable agreement:
For the Papists were appointed the Bishops of Winchester, Lichfield, Chester, Carlile, Lincolne, Doctor Cote, Doctor Harpsfield, Doctor, Langdall, and Doctor Chedsey.
For the Protestants were appointed the Bishop of Chichester, Doctor Coxe, M. Whitehed, M. Grindall▪ M. Horne, Doctor Sands, M. Gest, M. Aelmer, M. Iuell, The matters which they should talk of follow:
1 It is against the word of God, and the custome of the auncient Church, to vse a tongue vnknowne to the people, in Common-prayer, and the administration of the Sacraments.
2 EueryEvery Church hath authority to appoint, take away, & change ceremonies, and Ecclesiasticall Rites, so the same be vntounto edification.
3 It cannot be proued by the word of God that there is in the masse offered by a sacrifice propitiatory for the quick and the dead.
It was resolued by the Quéens Maiesty, with the aduice aforesaid, that it should be in writing on both parts, and that the Bishops should first declare their mindes touching the matters, with their reasons in writing; and they on the other part should the same day declare their opinions in like manner, and each of them deliuer their writings vntounto the other to consider what were to be improued therin, and the same also to declare in writing some other day: the parties of this conference were to put and reade their assertions in the English tongue, before the Nobles and States of the Realme, that thereupon in the Court of Parlament, consequently following, some lawes might be grounded.
The first méeting was the last of March, in Westminster Church: the Lords and others of the priuie Councell were present, and a great part of the Nobilitie: the Bishop of Winchester and his Colleagues alleadged that they had mistake… that their reasons should be written, but they were readie to argue and dispute; this séemed somwhat strange to the Councell, yet it was permitted, so Doctor Cole Deane of Paules was appointed the vtterer of their mindes, who partly by spéech, and partly by reading authorities written, and somtimes was informed by his Colleagues what to say, made a declaration of their meanings and reasons to the first proposition; which being ended, they were asked by the Councell if they had any more to say, and they said no: so the other part was licensed to shew their minde, which they exhibited in a booke written; which after a prayer made most humbly vntounto Almighty God for the induing them with the holy spirit, and a protestation to stand to the doctrine of the Catholike Church, builded vponupon the doctrines of the Prophets and Apostles: the effect of the protestation i… as here followeth.
We referre the whole iudgement of the controuersie vntounto the holy Scriptures, and the Catholike Church of Christ▪ whose iudgement vntounto vsus ought to be most sacred; notwithstanding by the Catholike Church we vnderstand not the Romish Church, whereunto our aduersaries attribute such reuerence, but that Church which S. Augustine and other fathers affirme ought to be sought in the holy scriptures, and which is gouerned and led by the spirit of Christ.
It is against the word of God, and the custom of the primitiue Church, to vse a tongue vnknowne vntounto the people in the common prayers, and in administration of the Sacraments: by the word of God wemeane the written word of God, or Canonicall Scriptures; and by the custome of the primitiue Church, we meane the order most generally vsed in the Church for fiue hundred years after Christ, in which time liued Iustine, Ireneus, Tertullian, Cyprian, Basill, Chrysostome, Hierome, Ambrose, Augustine, &c.
This assertion hath two parts: first, that it is against the word of God; and secondly, that it is against the vse of the primitiue Church. The first is proued by Saint Paule in 1. Cor. 14. where he intreateth of this matter, ex professo, purposely: and though some say that he there meaneth of preaching and not of prayer, it appeareth, by the exposition of the best writers, that he speaketh of prayer and thanksgiuing, and of all other publique actions which require any speach in the Church: of prayer he saith, I will pray with my spirit, and with my vnderstanding: and of thanksgiuing he saith, Thou giuest thanks wel, but the other is not edified, and how can the vnlearned say Amen at thy giuing of thankes, when hee vnderstandeth not what thou sayest? then he concludeth, that all things ought to be don to edification; and he vseth the similitude of a Trumpet, If it giuegive an vncertaine sound who can prepare to battell? so if thou speake with vnknowne tongues, you speake in the ayre, that is, in vaine.
In the old Testament all things belonging vntounto publike prayers, benedictions, thanksgiuings, and sacrifices were alwayes in their naturall tongue: if they did so in the shaddowes of the law, much more ought we to doe the like.
S. Augustin… in his fourth booke De doctrina Christiana, and the tenth Chapter, saith, If they, for whose cause we speake, vnderstand not our speaking, there is no cause why we should speake.
The barbarous Heathen of all nations and sorts of men euer made their prayers and sacrifices to their gods in their mother tongue, which sheweth that it is the very light and voyce of nature.
Touching the second part of the assertion, that it is against the custome of the primitiue Church: it is a matter so cléere, that the deniall of it must néeds procéede either of great ignorance, or els of wilfull mallice.
Iustinus Martyr, Apol. 2. describeth the order of the primitiue Church, saying, VponUpon the Sonday, assemblies are made both of the Citizens and Countrey-men, where the writings of the Apostles and Prophets are read as much as may be: when the Reader doth cease, the head Minister maketh an exhortation to follow honest things, then we rise altogether, and offer prayers, then bread, wine, and water are brought forth, then the head Minister offereth prayer and thanksgiuing as much as he can, and the people say Amen. He liued about the yeare 160. This declareth plainly that the Scriptures were read, and prayers and administration of the Lords Supper were done in a tongue vnderstood.
Both the Lyturgies of Basill in Chrysostom declare that the people were appointed to answer to the prayer of the Minister, sometime Amen, somtime Lord hauehave mercy vponupon vsus, somtime With thy spirit and truth we hauehave our hearts lifted vp vntounto the Lord, which they could not hauehave done if they had not vnderstood the long the prayers were said in.
Basilius Epist. 63. saith, That their Psalmes which they sing, being diuided into two parts, they sing by course together, one beginning the song, and the rest following.
Ambrose vponupon the fourtéenth of the first to the Corinthians, saith. This is that S. Paule saith, Because he that speaketh in an vnknowne tongue speaketh to God, for he knoweth all things, but men know not, therfore there is no profit of these things; and further he saith, The vnlearned hearing that which hee vnderstandeth not, hee knoweth not the end of the prayer to say Amen. And againe he saith, If an Infidell or one vnlearned come in, if he heare in a language which he vnderstandeth God to be praised and Christ to be worshipped, he seeth perfectly that the Religion is true, nothing to be done colourably nor in darkenes as amongst the heathen, whose eies are blinded, they not perceiuing themselues to be deluded with diuers vanities, for all falshood speaketh darknes, and sheweth false things for true, therefore with vsus nothing is done couertly, for if there be none that he can vnderstand he may say there is some deceit, because they are ashamed to open it: further, thus he concludeth, Let all things be done to edifying: this thing ought chiefly to be labored for, that the vnlearned might profit, lest any part of the body should be darke through ignorance: and further he saith, He that speaketh in an vnknowne tongue, and hath no interpreter, let him pray secretly to God, which heareth all dumb things, for in the Church he ought to speake that which may profit all men.
And S. Hierom vponupon that place of Paul, Quomodo qui supplet locum idiotae, and vponupon other places vseth the very same arguments that S. Ambrose did; and likewise Chrysostome vponupon 1. Cor. 14. vseth the like arguments, and Dionysius, Cyprian and S. Augustine agrée in the same, and Iustinian the Emperour, who liued 527. yeares after Christ, made a Constitution that all Bishops and Priests should celebrate their holy oblations and prayers, not speaking low, but with a loude voice, that the mindes of the hearers may be stirred vp with greater deuotion, for so saith the Apostle in the first to the Corinthians, saying, If we only blesse and giuegive thanks in the spirit, how doth he that occupieth the place of the vnlearned say Amen? Thou verily giuest thanks well, but the other is not edified: And in his Epistle to the Romans he saith, With the heart a man beleeueth vntounto righteousnes, and with the mouth confession is made vntounto saluation.
When this was ended, certaine of the Bishops began to say contrary vntounto their former answer, and that they had much more to say vntounto this matter, whereupon it was agreed that vponupon the Monday following the Bishoppes should bring their mindes in writing vntounto the second assertion, and to the last also, if they could, and that they should first reade the same; and that the other part likewise should bring theirs, and being read each of them shou…d deliuer to the other the same writings, and that in the meane time the Bishops should put into writing all that Doctor Cole had that day vttered, and whatsoeuer they could more thinke of for the same, and that they should send it vntounto the other partie, and receiue that which they had written.
At which day the Bishops were concluded to reade that which they had to say to the first question, and would not procéede then vntounto the rest; and after they ca…elled because they should reade their writings, first saying that if the aduersaries should end the talke, then should the veritie on our sides not be so well marked, for they should depart speaking last, with the reioycing triumph of the people, whereupon grew much contention betwixt the Bishops and the Councell, because they obserued not the order which they were agréed vponupon the day before: when there could be nothing done for contention all that day, the Lord Ké…eper said, My Lords, sith you refuse to reade the writing after the order taken, wee will breake vp and depart; and for that you will not that we should heare you, you may perhaps shortly heare of vsus.
Here you may perceiue what the Papists be, if the sword be taken from them, how soone all their cunning lieth in the dust, or else why would they not abide the triall of writings, and stand vntounto the order agréed vponupon?
And because they gaue such an example of disorder, stubbornnesse and selfe…will as hath not bin séene in such an honourable assembly, whereby the godly and Christian purpose of the Quéens Maiestie was made frustrate; the Bishops of Winchester and Lincolne were committed vntounto the Tower, and the rest were bound daily to make personall appearance before the Councell, and not to depart the City vntil further order was taken for their comtempt, and Bonner about the same time was committed vntounto the Marshalsie.
About this time was a Parliament holden at Westminster, wherein a great many of the Papists and Protestants were imployed, the one to retaine still, the other to impugne the doctrine established in Quéene Maries time. Amongst others, the words of Doctor Story, the stout champion of the Pope in the Parlament house, are worthy to be knowne of posterity.
He said, whereas he was much complained of to hauehave beene a great setter forth of such Religion, orders, and procéedings, as of Quéen Mary were set forth in this Realme: he confessed it to be true, and protested that he therein had done nothing but what his conscience did leade him vntounto, and his Commission commanded him, and that he was no lesse readie now to doe the like, and more, if the Quéens Maiestie would authorize him therevnto: and hee said hee was sorie for nothing but that hee had done no more then hee had done, and that they had not beene more seuere in executing those lawes, wherein there was no default in him, but in them, whom hee both oft and earnestly exhorted vntounto the same, beeing not a little greeued with them, for that they laboured onelyonly vponupon the yong and little springs and twigges, whereas they should hauehave striken at the roote, & cleane hauehave rooted it out: and he said that he was once at the burning of an herewigge at Uxbridge, meaning Maister Denley, where he tossed a Fagget at his face, as hee was singing of Psalmes, and set a bush of thornes vnderunder his feete, and he named Sir Philip Hobby, and another Knight in Kent, with such other of the richer and higher degree, whom his Councell was to pluck at, wherein if they had followed my aduice they had done wisely.
In this Parliament through the goodnes of the Lord the true cause of the Gospel, had the vpper hand, the papists hope was frustrated, & their rage abated: The proceedings in K Edwards time was reui…d, and the bloudy statutes of Q. Mary repealed: The old Bishops were deposed for refusing the othe, in renouncing the Pope, and not subscribing vntounto the Queenes lawfull supremacy. In the place of Cardinall Poole, succeeded Doctor Mathew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury: In the place of Heath, succeeded Doctor Yong; Insteed of Boner, Edmund Grindall was Bishop of London: For Hopton, Thurleby, Tunstall, Pates, Christopherson, Peto, Coats, Morgan, Feasie, White, Oglethorpe, were placed Doctor Iohn Parkust in Norwich: D. Cox in Ely: Iuell, in Salisbury: Pilkinton, in Duresme: D. Sands, in Worcester: Benton, in Couentry and Lichfield: Downam, in Westchester: Dauid in S. Dauids Ally in Exeter: Horne, in Winchester: Story, in Lincolne: Scamler, in Peterborough: Bartlet, in Bathe: Gest, in Rochester: Barlow, in Chichester.